Issues with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
The National Skill Development Corporation has been facing persistent problems.
Recent Developments
- The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship filed a complaint with the Delhi Police against officials for alleged "misappropriation" at NSDC.
- This follows the removal of the then CEO, Ved Mani Tewari, by the NSDC's board.
Importance of Skilling
The ability to harness India's demographic dividend heavily relies on a skilled labor force, making skilling a critical challenge for the country.
Operational Challenges
- NSDC's role in supporting the skilling ecosystem involved funding, designing skill-based programs, and industry partnerships.
- However, reports highlight operational inefficiencies, with multiple FIRs against training partners for tampering with attendance records.
Historical Controversies
- In 2015, a CAG report pointed out governance and accountability issues at NSDF and NSDC.
- Concerns have persisted about the quality of training and employment outcomes.
Goals and Challenges
- The ambitious aim is to skill or up-skill 150 million people.
- Recent performance has not inspired confidence in achieving this target.
Government Initiatives
- Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) have been launched with significant funding.
- As of March 2024, Rs 10,570 crore were allocated to skilling initiatives.
- A total of 1.13 crore people have been certified under PMKVY and STAR programs, with 24.4 lakh reported placements.
Need for Examination and Resolution
The government recognizes the critical role of skilling in achieving developed country status by 2047, necessitating an urgent examination and resolution of the issues within the skilling ecosystem.
