Weekly Newsbytes from NSN on skill development and education – 17th December 2024

In this week’s Newsbytes from NSN, we’re diving into the latest highlights focusing on UGC’s draft guidelines on RPL in higher education, ITI collaborations in Karnataka, the launch of India’s first sign language DTH channel, and more. Discover insights into skill development advancements, including groundbreaking initiatives, emerging technology trends, and updates on NEP 2020, UGC, CSR, and NCVET.

Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes,

UGC launches draft guidelines on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released draft guidelines for implementing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in higher education institutions. These guidelines represent a significant step toward bridging informal and formal learning, offering individuals a pathway to gain qualifications based on their existing skills and competencies. Read more…

Updates from the government

• MSDE’s STRIVE initiative aims to upgrade ITI infrastructure and capabilities across India to improve vocational training outcomes.
• Tripura Minister Santana Chakma unveils a ₹50 crore Skill Development Project to improve employability and livelihoods through vocational training and digital literacy.
• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched India’s first 24X7 sign language TV channel under the PM e-VIDYA initiative to support the education of hearing-impaired students.
• The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) has enrolled 4,799 senior learners across 32 states and UTs, offering courses in ML, AI, and big data.
• Assam’s government is working to expand its ITI network, aiming to establish one in every legislative constituency, with plans to address a current shortfall of 70 ITIs.
• Union Minister Piyush Goyal urged industry leaders at the BML Munjal Awards 2024 to make skill development accessible in Braille and for individuals with physical impairments, aligning with PM Modi’s call to empower divyangjans.
• Nearly 8.6 lakh candidates have enrolled in the IndiaAI ‘Future Skills’ initiative, offering training aligned with industry needs.
• The Delhi government has launched the ‘Business Blasters Senior Program,’ offering ₹50,000 seed funding to college and ITI students to support entrepreneurship.
• The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) has signed agreements with Pearson VUE as an Assessment Agency and Lamrin Tech Skills University as an Awarding Body.

Capital Goods and Strategic Skill Council Invites EOIs for Skill Training Projects in West Bengal

The Capital Goods and Strategic Skill Council (CGSSC) invites Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from eligible Training Partners to undertake Short-Term Training projects in West Bengal. These projects will be implemented under the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes Development & Finance Corporation across various CGSSC job roles.

Interested Training Partners must submit their detailed proposals along with the required documents as per the checklist provided. Proposals should be sent to the CEO, CGSSC, New Delhi, by 4:00 PM on December 31, 2024.

For eligibility criteria and the complete list of required documents, click here!

Skill development updates on CSR, Industry

• India’s employability sees a 7% boost, positioning the nation as a global talent hub by 2030, according to the Wheebox ETS India Skills Report 2025, in collaboration with CII, Taggd, AICTE, and AIU.
• India’s IT industry is set to see a 30-35% increase in demand for niche tech roles by 2025, driven by AI, ML, blockchain, and cybersecurity advancements.
• NSDC has partnered with Juspay to enhance digital payment solutions for skill development, improving access to training programs and financial inclusion.
• The IndiaAI Future Skills initiative has enrolled 8.6 lakh candidates, equipping them with skills in AI and emerging technologies to support India’s digital economy.
• HCSSC and PUM Netherlands hosted a workshop for handicraft artisans, aiming to improve skills and global competitiveness in the handicraft sector.
• NSDCI and Sompo Care Inc. have partnered to establish a training lab in Greater Noida, enhancing caregiving skills and Japanese language education for Indian caregivers targeting international opportunities, especially in Japan.
• Hindustan Zinc Ltd has partnered with the Rajasthan government to invest Rs 36 crore in the state’s education sector, announced at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024.
• NSDC partners with Unstop to enhance India’s skill development ecosystem, offering industry-relevant training, tailored assessments, and job opportunities.
• NSDC has partnered with EON Reality to revolutionize skill development in India by integrating AI-driven immersive education and XR technology to enhance learning and workforce readiness.
• Toyota Kirloskar Motors youth skill development initiative in Karnataka have collaborated with 70 ITIs to equip students with industry-relevant skills, promote employability in the automotive sector, and support India’s Make in India and Skill India missions.
• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an MoU with the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) and SAI to establish the “HAL-SAI High-Performance Centre” in Bengaluru as part of its CSR initiatives to enhance India’s sporting achievements.

To know more, check out the latest updates on CSR and ESG initiatives that are creating a meaningful impact in skill development and education here: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/csr-and-esg-in-skill-education/

Skilling and Upskilling in Academia and Emerging Technologies

• Bosch India Foundation and Medhavi Group have signed an MoU to advance skill development initiatives focusing on enhancing vocational training, promoting employability, and bridging skill gaps across industries, contributing to workforce readiness and socio-economic growth.
• Skill certificates were distributed to students completing NEP-aligned courses at GDC Kargil’s Sankoo campus, enhancing employability and bridging education-industry gaps in Ladakh.
• CBSE launches free virtual AI training for students, enhancing their understanding of AI concepts and applications for future technological advancements.
• Samagra Shiksha has partnered with Dr YS Parmar University to provide practical training in agriculture to 5,000 schoolchildren pursuing vocational courses.
• The District Industries Centre organized a seminar at ITI Bhaderwah to educate trainees about PMEGP and PM Vishwakarma Scheme, encouraging youth to pursue self-employment with government support.
• Kerala’s ITIs are revamping their curriculum with six new-gen trades, including AI Programming and Industrial Robotics, while working to secure NCVT affiliation for enhanced employability.
• SASTRA University is offering a one-year free vocational training course in CNC machining, forging, welding, and desktop computing, with a ₹5,000 stipend, for 8th standard pass students, in partnership with Shanmuga Precision Forgings and MSDE.
• BIRED will offer a 38-day free vocational training program in Refrigerator & AC Repair, and PC hardware and Laptop Servicing for unemployed youth (19-30 years) from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, starting January 9, 2025.