Context:-

Recently the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has called for SANKALP Scheme to focus on district-level skilling ecosystem through convergence and coordination.

About SANKALP Programme:

• The Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) programme was launched in 2018.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
• It is a World Bank loan-assisted project and is aligned with the overall objectives of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).
• The project focuses on transforming the overall skilling ecosystem of India, covering both central and state-level agencies for improved outcomes.
• It also encourages innovative best practices at the local level, resulting in enhanced access, quality and capacity in the skilling ecosystem and improved access to and completion of skills training for female trainees and other disadvantaged groups.

Strategy:

• Under SANKALP four key result areas have been identified viz –
  • Institutional Strengthening (at National, State & District level)
  • Quality Assurance Quality Assurance of skill development programs;
  • Inclusion of marginalised population in skill development; and
  • Expanding Skills through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Key Features:

1. Dual Certification: The trainers who participated in the ToT program received dual certification after undergoing assessments conducted by the Automotive Sector Development Council and IGCC (German certification agency). This certification ensures their competence in delivering high-quality training in their respective trades.
2. Public-Private Partnership: The initiative fostered a strong public-private partnership in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) domain. Collaborations with organizations such as Sukhakarta General Engineering Cluster Pvt. Ltd. (SGECPL) in Pune facilitated the successful implementation of the ToT program.
3. Classroom and On-the-Job Training: The ToT program comprised one-month classroom training followed by one-month on-the-job training. This comprehensive approach equipped trainers with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective training delivery.

Benefits:

1. Skill Enhancement: The ToT program aimed to enhance the skills of trainers in the automotive sector, preparing them to meet the evolving demands of the industry. By upgrading their technical and pedagogical skills, the program contributed to the development of a highly competent workforce.
2. Industry Alignment: Involving industry members in curriculum development ensured that the training programs were aligned with industry 4.0 requirements. This collaboration bridged the skills gap and facilitated a smooth transition for trainees into the automotive sector.

Conclusion

The SANKALP scheme seeks to resolve the infrastructural hurdles by providing a proper framework for those trying to acquire skill and knowledge for livelihood. The idea is to bring about a qualitative change, by raising the quality of and access to vocational education. These national bodies will now regulate accreditation and certification in both long and short-term Vocational Education and Training (VET).

A paradigm change in the field vocational education is not only refreshing but probably a massive step towards empowering the urban and rural masses. Access to a free flow of quality content and trainers is sure to broaden the horizons of many. This scheme seeks to bring about uniformity and quality to the vocational education and the impact of this is sure to be tremendous.

Read also:- UPSC Full Form, Strategy, Prelims & Mains Pattern