The Union Cabinet in India has endorsed the merging of two notable regulatory institutions involved in the skills and vocational training sector. The National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) will combine to form the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). The newly formed body utilizes existing infrastructure and resources to ensure a smooth transition.
The Leadership and Purpose of NCVET
The new council will be led by a Chairperson, complemented by Executive and Non-Executive Members. The primary aim is to utilize the resources from the amalgamation of the two bodies efficiently. NCVET brings together the regulatory and assessment expertise of NCVT and the policy framing proficiency of NSDA under a single umbrella, streamlining the skill development mission of India.
New Institutes of Science Education & Research
The Union Cabinet’s recent approvals also included the establishment of two new Indian Institutes of Science Education & Research (IISERs), located in Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) and Berhampur (Odisha).
Primary Functions of NCVET
NCVET assumes several key roles in the realm of vocational education and training. These include recognition and regulation of awarding bodies, assessment bodies and skill related information providers; approval of qualifications developed by awarding bodies and Sector Skill Councils (SSCs); indirect regulation of vocational training institutes through awarding bodies and assessment agencies; research and information dissemination, and grievance redressal.
Benefits of the Formation of NCVET
This institutional reform aims to enhance the quality and market relevance of skill development programs, lending credibility to vocational education and training. It encourages greater private investment and employer involvement in the skills space. Moreover, it is set to facilitate ease of doing business by providing a steady supply of skilled labor to the industry and services.
The Background of Vocational Training in India
Most of India’s skill training needs were previously met through courses offered by the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and under the Modular Employable Scheme (MES), regulated by NCVT. But with burgeoning vocational requirements and a growing workforce, the existing infrastructure fell short. Therefore, the government initiated several programs to scale up skilling efforts, leading to the formation of the NSDA in 2013 for a coordinated approach.
The Need for an Overarching Regulatory Authority
Despite various governmental initiatives, the lack of adequate regulatory oversight led to the proliferation of training programs of inconsistent standards. This resulted in a multiplicity of assessment and certification systems, undermining the quality and credibility of vocational training. Hence, the need for an overarching regulatory authority like NCVET was felt, which could oversee all aspects of short-term and long-term skill-based training.
Quality Control in Skill Development Sector
With the rapid growth of skill schools across India, quality control has been an ongoing concern for the skills development sector. Despite the government’s focus on Skill India over the last few years, adequate quality assessment or monitoring procedures are lacking. Thus, NCVET is envisaged as an institution that can effectively regulate, monitor, and thereby improve the quality of vocational education and training across the country.