PM Modi launched Skill India on Wednesday
The National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015, which was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, envisages launch of a national campaign within three months to create awareness and a positive pro-skilling environment in the country.
Moreover, as part of the policy's framework, the Prime Minister's Skill Development Fellow Scheme will be introduced to tap talented, young individuals who will work with state and district administration to spread awareness about skill development, identify the local needs and steer skill development efforts in the region.
Besides, skilling will be integrated with formal education by introducing vocational training classes linked to the local economy from class nine onwards in at least 25% schools, over the next five years.
Among other key measures, the government will promote use of certified, skilled manpower for its work and projects through enabling provisions in their contracts.
Industry will also be encouraged to follow suit and pay skill premium to skilled and semi-skilled workers. The companies will also be asked to indicate the percentage of certified, skilled workforce in their units as a part of their annual report.
Under the policy, special focus will be laid on youth who do not wish to continue with school or higher education so that they are provided skills for other sustainable livelihood options.
Special programmes will be initiated for providing skill training to those who have eight years or more of schooling.
Separate skill courses aligned to appropriate NSQF levels will be held in existing schools/centres during evening hours to provide alternate career pathway to these students.
Under the Awareness Campaign, a TV channel and a national community radio frequency dedicated to skilling will be promoted to enable communication and dissemination of information and opportunities relating to skills.
The policy framework also entails promotion of National Skills Universities and institutes in partnership with states as centres of excellence for skill development and training of trainers, either as denovo institutions or as a part of existing university landscape.