The Union Labour and Employment Minister Shri Mallikarjun Kharge has informed the Rajya Sabha that Government has planned to start a nationwide project in vocational education on different sectors like agriculture, horticulture technology, hotel management, tourism, banking and animal husbandry. Accordingly, Government has operationalised Skill Development Initiative (SDI) scheme with effect from May, 2007 for skill development of school leavers and existing workers throughout the country to improve their employability by optimally utilising the infrastructure available in Government, Private Institutions and the Industry. The objective of the scheme is to train one million persons in first five years and then one million every year.
So far 1260 Modular Employable Skill (MES) courses have been developed in 59 sectors including agriculture, horticulture technology, hotel management, tourism, banking and animal husbandry. The training is being provided through a network of about 6398 vocational training providers and assessment being done by 36 independent assessing bodies throughout the country. On the basis of their assessment, a National Council for Vocational Training certificate is issued which entitles them to work anywhere in the country or abroad.
