Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam Skill Conclave 2016 – A Report

Presentation by Experts

Conclave proceeded with presentation from technical experts on latest topics in skilling ecosystem. The presentations brought into light current developments and issues in skill development and ensured constant participation from the crowd through interactive sessions in between.

1. Vocationalisation in Higher Education

The Director, Higher Education Dr. DinkarBurathoki said, an elaborate vocational training programme for student’s right from school to university level had been prepared in the state. Initially, vocational training was started in 100 schools and extended to further 950 schools, across the state. He also stressed on B.Voc program which will be launched from next academic semester 2017-18. He also briefed the participants on the progress of Skills University in the State. Potential in agriculture, horticulture, jewellery, handloom sectors is also being explored so that trained manpower could be generated at the grass root level. More details related to trades and vocational training organizations can be accessed from the link – http://educationhp.org/Files/Binder1.pdf23_59_2016_04_08_18.pdf

2. Presentation on Concept and Efficacy of NSQF

Mr. Basab Banerjee, ADB Consultant on Skills gave a brief introduction of NSQF with its relevance to the state. He highlighted that National Skills Qualification Framework is a quality assurance framework that organizes qualifications as per level of competencies. The key terms like qualification title, body awarding qualification, proposed NSQF level, progression form the qualification, assessment strategy, evidence of level and need, estimated uptake, etc. were explained in details to the participants.

3. Presentation on Skilling of PwD’s

Dr. Suchitra who is working with Skill Council for Persons with Disability (SSC PwD) highlighted that according to census 2011, there are 2.68 Crore Persons with Disability (PwDs) in India (1.50 crore male and 1.18 crore female PwDs). It was highlighted during her presentation that, Persons with disability (PwDs) in India face many challenges when looking to develop employable skills and in gaining meaningful employment although she also emphasized the fact as experience by SSC PwD that once trained and employed these people proved to be an asset to that particular industry leading to negligible attrition rate among PwD employees. Several examples in hotel industry were also highlighted in her presentation such as Hotel Radisson, Lemon Tree, and Ginger hotel give preference in employment to the PwD students. In her presentation, she also highlighted that now there are many organizations which are capable to impart NSQF aligned training for PwD students along with general students.

4. Skilling in general

Mr Rajender Guleria, Co Chairman CII Special Taskforce on Skills & Education, Northern Region in his remarks emphasized on the need of skilling youth with employable skills. He mentioned that we should take advantage of demographic dividend of our country. We should empower our youths and train them on industry relevant skills as it is very important sub-system of the economy. Training programmes in Himachal should be aligned to important industries of the state and this should be a continuous process to ensure youth contribute to development of the state. He also talked about empowering youth by providing skills trainings to improve manpower at state and national level.