FFSC certifies 910 carpenters involved in the New Parliament Project under RPL program

The Furniture and Fitting Skill Council (FFSC), working under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) jurisdiction and NARSI Group, has trained and certified 910 carpenters through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program.

The aim of the program is to improve the skill training of carpenters so they can contribute to the construction of the New Parliament Building, which will serve as a representation of India’s progress and democratic values.

The event was organised at the parliament and attended by senior officials and industry stakeholders including Dr. K.K Dwivedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE); Shri Deepak Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA); Shri Ashwini Mittal, NPB, Central Public Works Department (CPWD); Shri Sushil Aggarwal, Director, National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), and Vivek Sharma, Manager – Strategy, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a component of Skill India’s flagship program Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), is a process of assessment used to assess a person’s present skill sets, knowledge, and experience acquired through formal, non-formal, or informal learning.

To ensure candidate’s overall growth, the program will offer pre-screening counseling, support, and guidance. Various programs are provided to various government agencies by MSDE in order to implement out skill development initiatives. More than 6,000 carpenters were trained by the ministry and NARSI group in the past under different RPL schemes. To enhance employability opportunities and close the skill gap, the process helps in aligning the competencies of the nation’s unregulated workforce to the standardized National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

According to Dr. Krishna Kumar Dwivedi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), “The parliament building represents the epitome of India’s rich democratic heritage, as well as a symbol of India’s valour and pride. Today’s ceremony marks a significant milestone in empowering our carpenters by providing them with the best hands-on training and formal certification, which will further enable the recognition of skill sets and assist in establishing a top-of-the-line infrastructure in the New Parliament Building. Candidates’ prospects in both the domestic and international markets will improve as a result of this training. With this training, our carpenters will be able to build top-notch infrastructure and take on renowned projects that meet industry’s demands.”

“This initiative highlights the government’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce that can enable the growth and development of our country,” he added.

Also read: MSDE organised second G20 webinar on foundational skills and lifelong learning in the context of future of work https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/msde-organised-second-g20-webinar-on-foundational-skills-and-lifelong-learning/

Shri Narsi D Kularia, Chairman, Furniture and Fitting’s Skill Council and Managing Director, Narsi Group, stated “Being connected with this visionary project is a source of great pride for our community of carpenters. We are taking all necessary steps to thoroughly educate our workers and offer them with total safety to ensure that the New Parliament Building has cutting-edge infrastructure. Being a carpenter myself, I comprehend the value of skilling and certification in building capabilities. To boost candidates’ formal skill training, we have implemented several programs such as Meri Skill Meri Pehchan, the National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS), and established a Centre of Excellence to help them become active participants in economic growth.”

“With this, we look forward to certifying and recognising the skills of 25,000 carpenters across India in the upcoming months”, he continued.

The project aims to certify candidates in order to increase their relevance in the volatile job market and to encourage them to support in the growth of the nation. Workers will be upskilled in a variety of trades in the future, including construction, electrical, plumbing, pottery, and others. It will not only expose them to digital literacy and entrepreneurial prospects, but it will also strengthen their technical skills.