Question: which of the following statements are correct?
i) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme recognizes the value of learning acquired outside a formal setting and provides a government certificate for an individual’s skills.
ii) The programme is being implemented under SANKALP Programme of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
iii) National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) is the implementing agency of the programme.
a) only i
b) only ii
c) i and ii
d) i, ii, iii
Answer: c)
Context
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is conducting a Special Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program for workers, from 21 December with Department of Panchayati Raj (DoPR) in Chandauli and Varanasi.
Facts
- About 70% of our country’s population resides in rural India and hence the inclusion of gram panchayats is crucial for the success of District Skill Development Plans and will provide a huge fillip to the Skill India Mission.
- Through RPL, the aim is to align the competencies of the pre-existing workforce of the country to the standardized framework.
- Certification builds confidence, brings respect and provides recognition to the candidates, it has the potential to make skills aspirational.
- 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.
About RPL
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme 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 an accidental insurance coverage for three years at free of cost. No fee is charged from a candidate for participating in the RPL program and every successfully certified candidate will receive INR 500.
- The programme is being implemented under SANKALP Programme of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the implementing agency of the programme.
SANKALP
- Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) is centrally sponsored scheme and is being funded with the help of World Bank.
- It aims to set up Trainers and Assessors academies with self-sustainable models.
- Additional training academies will also be set up under the scheme.
- The main focus is on greater level of decentralization in skill planning through institutional strengthening at the state level that includes setting up of State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) and allow the states to come up with State and District level Skill Development Plans.
- It aims at improving the inclusion of marginalized communities including Persons with Disabilities (PwD), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and also women for providing skill training opportunities.
By – Kameshwar Shukla