Ludhiana: Apparel Training and Design Centre (ATDC) India’s Largest Quality Vocational Training Provider for the Apparel sector launched the first “Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Programme” under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal VikasYojana (PMKVY) 2.0, the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India at the factory premises of KG Exports at Ludhiana, Punjab.
The Dignitaries who graced the occasion included Mr. Rajat Bhatnagar, State Engagement Officer, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and Ms. Kirti Jain, Assistant Director Operations North of Apparel Made-Ups Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSCC), Convener LMC, Mr. Ajit Lakra and Director General & CEO ATDC, Dr. Darlie Koshy. Managing Director of KG Exports, Mr. Harish Dua and ATDC RPL Team led by Ms. Neera Chandra, Ms. Roopali Shukla and Sr. Dy. Registrar. Mr. Rajesh Masiwal managed the RPL process with candidates to be trained under RPL were present at the launch ceremony.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a robust platform to provide recognition to the skills acquired through informal learning to get equal acceptance as the formal levels of education or skill development. It aims to recognize prior learning and bring them to the “trained skilled workforce cadre”. In short, RPL is a process of assessment of an individual’s prior learning to give due importance to ‘learning’ as an outcome on the job rather than learning as a process not necessarily directed at economic activity.
Dr. Koshy DG & CEO said on the occasion: RPL for a country like India is an absolute necessity as only about 7% -10% of the workforce have received any formal vocational training. In some section, it is less than even 5%. Considering this abysmal situation prior learning through skills developed on the job being assessed and evaluate later top-up training by ATDC through 3rdparty certification is a welcome step.
Mr. Jayant Krishna, COO NSDC said; “The Indian apparel industry has seen an upward surge in the demand in the past few years and the industry is showing buoyancy by way of market growth. However, the sector has still to realize much of its huge potential. Despite huge workforce, the industry is marred by relatively low productivity levels and faces tough competition in the exports market from Bangladesh and China. Hence, it is imperative to identify skill gaps in the industry and train the existing workforce under the RPL programme to enhance their productivity. In addition, the programme provides formal recognition to the people with specific abilities and gets them certified as per the industry standards. We are happy to initiate this project and are certain that it will benefit as well as motivate workers”
In his welcome address, Dr. Darlie Koshy – DG and CEO, ATDC added: For ATDC, its DNA is connected to the Apparel Export Sector and it is well equipped to be a leader in RPL as almost all the export units are having a good number of ATDC alumni and the industry considers ATDC training as gold standard. ATDC’s taking up RPL will certainly help the industry units to take it more seriously and with extra interest. The huge workforce in apparel factory will have an opportunity to be evaluated and certified for the skills that they possess and probably would have compared their own skills at some stage with those who came with skill qualification can now look forward to better career opportunities!
After Ludhiana, ATDC will take up RPL in other states like Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal to cover 13, 000 candidates. ATDC will be executing a twelve-hour orientation for the candidates followed by 3rd party Assessment and Certification. Certified candidates will get the direct benefit of Rs 500 cash in their accounts from the Government’s end, as well as a special kit including a T-shirt, cap and they will be covered with an Insurance policy of five years (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha BimaYojana) in addition to a certificate.
