TAPAS Strengthens Capacity Building through Self-Paced Online Certificate Courses

Key Highlights:

• TAPAS (Training for Augmenting Productivity and Services) is an online learning management platform for capacity building.
• It is implemented by the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• The platform offers self-paced online certificate courses in key areas of social defence.
• TAPAS recorded 6,866 student enrolments between 2021 and 2026, with 733 enrolments in 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• The platform employs a four-quadrant learning approach, including video lectures, supplementary material, discussion forums, and self-assessment exercises.
• Five distinct courses are offered, comprising 48 modules, covering topics like Geriatric/Elderly Care and Substance (Drug) Abuse Prevention.
• Other course areas include Social Defence Issues, Transgender Issues and Care, and Management of Dementia.
• This initiative aims to strengthen accessible learning and enhance knowledge and skills for individuals interested in social defence.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Institute of Social Defence (NISD): An autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment focusing on training, research, and documentation in social defence.
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: A Union Government ministry responsible for welfare, social justice, and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society.
• Social Defence: Measures taken by society to protect itself from crime, social deviance, and other social problems, often involving rehabilitation and prevention.