PLUG THE GAPS, Pg 12.

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship filed a complaint with the Delhi Police alleging "misappropriation" by officials at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
• Multiple FIRs have been filed against NSDC's training partners across the country for allegedly tampering with attendance records.
• A 2015 CAG report highlighted serious issues in the governance and accountability mechanisms at NSDF and NSDC.
• The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has released Rs 10,570 crore until March 2024, with 1.13 crore people certified and 24.4 lakh reported placements.

Detailed Insights:

• The NSDC is considered a principal architect of the country's skill ecosystem, making the allegations of misappropriation a cause for concern.
• The NSDC supports the skilling ecosystem through funding, designing skill-based programs, and partnerships with industry.
• Concerns have been raised over the years regarding the quality of training imparted by the NSDC and the employment prospects of those trained.
• The government aims to achieve developed country status by 2047, recognizing the critical role of skill development in achieving this goal.
• The PMKVY and STAR (Standard Training Assessment and Reward Scheme) are initiatives launched by the Centre to skill the country’s labor force.

Key Concepts Involved:

• NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation): An organization that aims to promote skill development by providing funding, designing programs, and partnering with industries.
• PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana): A skill development scheme to enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training.
• CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General): An authority established by the Constitution of India to audit all receipts and expenditure of the government.