4 Essentials of implementing short term training under PMKVY 2.0

Our guest author Bhavna Chopra Srikrishna needs no introduction to many in the skill space in India. She was a core team member of NSDC and has contributed to several national projects from 2009 till April 2016. She has just begun her journey as a consultant and is happy to contribute to NSN through her first series on PMKVY 2.0. We welcome her aboard to continue our journey by sharing the positive and progressive impact of skill development initiatives in India. Scroll down to know more about her.

May 2015 – Venue: Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, Delhi. Just before the formal launch of the PMKVY scheme, our team at NSDC had prepared a simple presentation introducing PMKVY 1.0 for training partners and assessment partners. We anticipated about 80-100 participants. Contrary to our expectations, for those of you who were there, you will remember that the rush outside was akin to a Rajinikanth film launch! Everybody wanted to be a part of the PMKVY story and eventually we managed to accommodate almost 500 people in the hall. Not to mention, this response repeated in other states as well!

The excitement is building up again with the launch of PMKVY 2.0 in July 2016. You must be wondering how the new version is different from the previous one. Though the website provides comprehensive information, there are some critical points that need further clarity for successful implementation of the projects. In this three-part series, I focus on Short Term Training under PMKVY 2.0, the other two being Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Special Projects. Let me start by highlighting some of the key aspects that are different from PMKVY 1.0.

Unlike the previous version, PMKVY 2.0 stresses on the entire training and skill development cycle including Mobilisation, Training, Assessment, Certification AND Placement. 20% of the payment is linked to placement and additionally; you can earn an incentive of up to Rs 5000 if you can track the candidates as per common norms. Remember, this scheme is for 3 years so, you can expect continuity in target allocation and payments if you perform as per the guidelines. This enables you to invest in some of the much needed gaps in the Vocational System cycle i.e. create better training infrastructure be it trainers, classrooms, student reach and most importantly localized placement. Here are some tips for you to maximize your presence in PMKVY.

Who will you train?

• Training is primarily for school and college dropouts. It is advisable you follow the rules carefully since all the processes are strictly monitored.
• At times, graduates will be interested in the courses and you can have up to 5% of them in your classroom. But, avoid mobilization drives in colleges as it goes against the PMKVY norms.

What will you train on?

• Only certified trainers will be allowed to conduct the courses. Make sure you get your SSC to train and certify your trainers. This will be captured by the SDMS.
• Training as per approved courses listed and available on the PMKVY website. The courses list will be shortly available on the PMKVY website. The courses are as per the NSQF standards. A minimum number of hours has been specified for each course. Typically, the duration will range from 150 to 300 hours.
• Each approved course has standardized content available but the training partner can (and in my opinion, must) add courseware suited to localized industry need.
• All candidates must go through a common sensitization and induction on PMKVY program. The material will be provided by NSDC in the form of a film. My suggestion is that make sure your trainers are very familiar with the PMKVY scheme in general. (Run a fun quiz for them and present a small award to your most knowledgeable trainer). In addition, content is also being prepared for sensitizing and imparting some basic knowledge on Entrepreneurship, Digital and Financial Literacy.

Where will the training be done?

Training will be done only in NSDC approved training centers. The training partner must be affiliated to the respective Sector Skill Council (SSC). The SSC will also need to approve the training center after the first level validation is done by NSDC or its appointed agency. NSDC is in the process of appointing an agency till which time, centres are being visited and/ approved directly by NSDC based on past PMKVY performance. The main criteria of getting shortlisted will be area of the centre, proper equipment as per SSC criteria and location of the center following the branding guidelines of Phase 1.

The guidelines mention an elaborate methodology of Centre Accreditation, SOPs, categorization but the mechanism for the same yet has to fall into place. Eventually, the categorization of the centers will lead to assured target allocation. Meanwhile, the target allocation is based mainly on the fact that your centres fulfil centre approval process and the capacity of your centre. This is largely based on TP self-declaration but subject to checks and approval from NSDC. You must be ready with answers to the following questions:

• Does your center follow quality standards and is it complete in terms of equipment, labs and student learning?
• Do you have biometric attendance systems? Do you maintain attendance records? Do you ensure at least 70% attendance for your candidates?
• Are your trainers certified?
• Do you follow the branding guidelines?
• Do you have good quality counseling and placement support for your most important stakeholder- the student?
• Do you have good tracking mechanism for your students?

Exceptions can be made for special areas like North East India, LWE areas and Jammu and Kashmir, but you will need to build a case for that. Apparently it may be difficult to pre define the centre type for a special area).

How do you set training targets and get paid?

Target Allocation: This depends on your training center’s capacity, number of hours taken to run the course and the number of students you can train in a quarter. You can run even two shifts if the location of your centre allows it. Targets will be allocated on a quarterly basis initially but will slowly move to a bi-annual or yearly allocation depending on your performance. It is important to follow the guidelines!

Payment: All money spent on training will be transferred directly to the TPs. However, the TPs need to ensure that the candidate has a valid Aadhar since payments will be linked to Aadhar verification, a Jan Dhan Account and also transfer Rs 500 as an insurance cover. You could tie up with the closest Jan Dhan Bima provider.

There are provisions for special allowances for women, PwD, placement support, and conveyance as a transfer to TP or as direct allowance for the candidate. You could go through the PMKVY guidelines and common norms for further clarity.

Happy PMKVYing! Watch out for Part II of this series…

About the author: Bhavna Chopra Srikrishna may not need any introduction for many players in the skill development ecosystem in India. She was a core team and ‘original’ member of the NSDC team from 2009 to April 2016. She has recently established her independent Consulting Practice and continues to be passionate about skilling and contributing to the nation. She is delighted to be a part of the National Skills Network – NSN. Bhavna has about 18 years of experience spanning Exports at Maruti, Leadership Training and Development across industries. She handled a variety of roles at NSDC including Investing & Incentivizing i.e. Proposal Evaluation, World Skills, Udaan and the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). She enjoys fitness along with her family and runs, cycles and does yoga.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and should not be taken for NSN’s expertise or advice. Bhavna can be reached at bhavnasrikrishna@gmail.com.