Govt sets up task force to recast job training
The failure of industrial training institutes (ITIs) has prompted the government to constitute a task force on skill development that will specifically look at restructuring the vocational education and training (VET) system in the country.
By Subhash Narayan, TNN |
NEW DELHI: The failure of industrial training institutes (ITIs) has prompted the government to constitute a task force on skill development that will specifically look at restructuring the vocational education and training (VET) system in the country. The emphasis will be on encouraging private sector participation to upgrade skill levels of the labour force.
The task force, which will be headed by CII chief mentor Tarun Das, is expected to submit its report to the deputy chairman by February 28, 2007. The constitution of the task force follows PM Manmohan Singh’s announcement in his Independence Day speech regarding launching of a mission for vocational education.
The government is looking at a more affirmative action from the private sector to provide more job opportunities to the weaker sections of society. Corporates are likely to train unskilled labour force as per their requirements.
The move is also significant as the government has targeted to generate 70 million new work opportunities during the Eleventh Five year Plan and the private sector is expected to play an important role here, sources said.
Under the programme for wider private sector participation, the task force has been mandated to explore areas where public private partnership (PPP) could be implemented by way of sharing of physical infrastructure created by the government institutions for effective delivery of VET by corporates. It will also specify roles for industry associations and chambers of commerce in VET.
The task force will also draw long-term plans for redesigning VET courses keeping up with the changing times. One of the important tasks of the group here would be to recommend the appropriate stage (class 8 or 10) at which pre-vocational courses should be introduced in the regular school system, so that it has two broad streams to offer: ‘academic’ and the ‘applied’.
The need for a VET Law may also be explored if changes proposed by the task force require major deviations from the existing system. One important change could be the institution of a certification procedure for the various levels of VET.
The VET system is being revamped in wake of the poor performance of the system in improving employability of labour force, where only 35% trainees receive work immediately. Moreover, there is a fear that over 15 million students may not be able to pursue secondary education due to shortage of seats.
As per government estimates, only about 3% of the workforce in India has received some form of VET as compared to 60-80% in US, Europe and East Asia. Around the world, there are nearly 3,000 VET courses, whereas India has recognised only 153 courses so far.
The task force, which will be headed by CII chief mentor Tarun Das, is expected to submit its report to the deputy chairman by February 28, 2007. The constitution of the task force follows PM Manmohan Singh’s announcement in his Independence Day speech regarding launching of a mission for vocational education.
The government is looking at a more affirmative action from the private sector to provide more job opportunities to the weaker sections of society. Corporates are likely to train unskilled labour force as per their requirements.
The move is also significant as the government has targeted to generate 70 million new work opportunities during the Eleventh Five year Plan and the private sector is expected to play an important role here, sources said.
Under the programme for wider private sector participation, the task force has been mandated to explore areas where public private partnership (PPP) could be implemented by way of sharing of physical infrastructure created by the government institutions for effective delivery of VET by corporates. It will also specify roles for industry associations and chambers of commerce in VET.
The task force will also draw long-term plans for redesigning VET courses keeping up with the changing times. One of the important tasks of the group here would be to recommend the appropriate stage (class 8 or 10) at which pre-vocational courses should be introduced in the regular school system, so that it has two broad streams to offer: ‘academic’ and the ‘applied’.
ADVERTISEMENT
The need for a VET Law may also be explored if changes proposed by the task force require major deviations from the existing system. One important change could be the institution of a certification procedure for the various levels of VET.
The VET system is being revamped in wake of the poor performance of the system in improving employability of labour force, where only 35% trainees receive work immediately. Moreover, there is a fear that over 15 million students may not be able to pursue secondary education due to shortage of seats.
As per government estimates, only about 3% of the workforce in India has received some form of VET as compared to 60-80% in US, Europe and East Asia. Around the world, there are nearly 3,000 VET courses, whereas India has recognised only 153 courses so far.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
