Recognition of Prior Learning Programme

• 23 Dec 2020

Why in News

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is conducting a Special Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme for workers, with the Department of Panchayati Raj (DoPR).

• The programme, implemented under Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Programme of MSDE, has been rolled out in Varanasi and Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Key Points

• RPL Programme:
  
  • It aims to promote decentralization and local governance for better planning and implementation of skill development programmes.
  • It is being implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
  • It recognizes the value of learning acquired outside a formal setting and provides a government certificate for an individual’s skills.
  • Candidates receive exposure to concepts of digital and financial literacy and accidental insurance coverage for three years at free of cost.
  • No fee is charged from a candidate for participating in the RPL programme and every successfully certified candidate receives Rs. 500.
  • MSDE is supporting the State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) and District Skill Committees (DSCs) in the selection and onboarding of the Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) and facilitating the successful execution of the programme.
  • Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) along with MSDE is monitoring it and are being supported by Directorate of Panchayati Raj, UP and the SSDM, UP.
  • This initiative is part of a larger programme on ‘Skill Development Planning at the level of Gram Panchayat’ that focuses on introducing RPL in a structured manner in various gram panchayats across the country.
• Significance:
  
  • The inclusion of gram panchayats is crucial for the success of District Skill Development Plans (DSDPs) and will provide a huge fillip to the Skill India Mission.
  • RPL will align the competencies of the pre-existing workforce of the country to the standardized framework and will provide confidence, respect and recognition to the candidates.
  • Supporting formalization of the informal learning of youth will supplement their efforts in finding sustainable livelihood opportunities and reduce inequalities based on privileging certain forms of knowledge over others.
  • It will also link them with work opportunities emanating from the Gram panchayat’s development work.
  • Down-streaming the skill development planning to the gram panchayat level would contribute to decentralization.

Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion

• It is an outcome-oriented programme of MSDE with a special focus on decentralised planning and quality improvement.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme which is collaborated with the World Bank.
• It aims to implement the mandate of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).
• It contributes to the development of rational and realistic state skill development plans, leading to a well-grounded national plan for skill development.
• Objectives:
  
  • Convergence: Creating convergence among all skill training activities, both State-led and Government of India funded, at the state level.
  • Quality: Improving the quality of skill development programs through building a pool of quality trainers, developing model curriculum and content, and standardizing assessment and certification.
  • Evaluation System: Establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation system for skill training programs.
  • Inclusiveness and Opportunity: Providing access to skill training opportunities to the disadvantaged sections. Creating industry-led and demand-driven skill training capacity.

Source: PIB