Green Skill Development Programme

The government has initiated the launch of the GSPD-ENVIS mobile app as part of its efforts to generate more than five lakh employment opportunities by 2021 through green skills. This app will facilitate enrollment in 30 expert courses under the Green Skill Development Programme (GSPD).

About Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP):

GSDP (Green Skilled Development Programme) is a recent initiative under the ENVIS (Environmental Information System) scheme.
It falls under the purview of the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) with the aim of skill development in the environment and forest sector.
The primary goal is to train India’s youth to be employable or self-employed in environmentally focused occupations.
The programme utilizes the existing network and expertise of ENVIS Hubs/RPs.
GSDP seeks to produce green skilled workers equipped with technical knowledge and a dedication to sustainable development.
Its objectives align with the achievement of various national and international targets, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), and Waste Management Rules (2016).

Background

The Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) pilot began in June 2017. Its aim: to train Biodiversity Conservationists (Basic Course) and Para-taxonomists (Advanced Course) across 10 locations nationwide. Each course lasted three months, focusing on biodiversity conservation skills.
94 trainees completed the Basic Course, becoming skilled Biodiversity Conservationists. Meanwhile, 152 trainees finished the Advanced Course, becoming skilled Para-taxonomists.
ENVIS RPs, in collaboration with the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and their regional offices, facilitated the pilot programme.
Feedback from stakeholders played a crucial role in shaping the programme, leading to its expansion to a national level.
The conceptualization and development of GSDP took place within the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), in consultation with the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA).

Target

The number of individuals to be encompassed under GSDP is projected to reach 80,000 for the fiscal year 2018-19, expanding to 2.25 lakh for 2019-20, and further increasing to approximately 5 lakh by 2021.
Over 30 programs have been earmarked for implementation, slated to be executed across 84 institutions nationwide.

Implementation

The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) recognizes the importance of fostering green skills and is leveraging the extensive network and expertise of Environmental Information System (ENVIS) hubs and Resource Partners (RPs).
ENVIS operates as a decentralized network comprising 66 centers, with 31 hubs hosted by State Governments/UT Administrations focusing on “State of the Environment and Related Issues,” and the remaining 35 centers hosted by environment-related governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Skilling programs offered cover a wide array of fields including pollution monitoring (air/water/soil), operation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), and Common Effluent Treating Plants (CETPs), waste management, forest management, water budgeting and auditing, conservation of river dolphins, wildlife management, para taxonomy, mangroves conservation, bamboo management, and livelihood generation.
Course durations vary, ranging from approximately 80 hours to 560 hours.
The initiative begins with the creation of a pool of Master Trainers/Specialists who will subsequently train youth across the country.
All courses adhere to the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) standards.
Upon successful completion, candidates will receive Certificates indicating their skilling levels, endorsed by the Ministry.

What are Green Skills?

Green skills encompass the abilities necessary to adjust processes, services, and products to comply with climate change and environmental regulations.
These skills include knowledge, expertise, values, and attitudes essential for fostering a sustainable and resource-efficient society.
India, the second most populous country globally, possesses a substantial working-age population.
The Indian workforce holds significant potential for acquiring and utilizing green skills to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

Why Green Skills?

India possesses a demographic dividend, yet high dropout rates and inadequate vocational skills pose challenges to fully capitalize on this advantage.
The field of Environment/Forest in India faces a significant gap between demand and supply of cognitive and practical skill sets.
Green skilling is imperative for transitioning India’s economy from energy-intensive to cleaner and greener practices.
Learning these skills prepares people for green jobs that help protect the environment and improve quality of life for everyone.

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