In an effort to recognise the skills of the workforce, formally certify and link them to employment opportunities, Skill India Mission is conducting a special Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program for candidates in Semra and Yarna in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh, under its SANKALP programme (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion). The programme, implemented throughAdarsh Gram Skill Camps (AGSC) aims to certify candidates in 100+ villages across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Today (14^th December), in Semraover 100 candidates have been certified in Pickle Making Technician job role. Similarly, tomorrow (15^th December) around116 additional candidates will be certified as Pickle Makers and Traditional Snack and Savoury makersin Yarna.

Speaking on occasion, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said that rural India certainly has a lot of untapped potential, and we believe proper skill training and its positive reinforcement will improve the quality of life in these regions. He further said that Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is an essential initiative towards Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of building a AtmaNirbhar Bharat. To realise this dream, Adarsh Gram Skill Camps undertaken under SANKALP programme will be instrumental in empowering workers at the grassroots level by enhancing their employment potential, upward mobility, and formalisation of skills., he added. He hoped that this initiative will not only build confidence in the workforce, but also become a major contributor to national development.

Under Adarsh Gram Skill Camps project, weekly RPL camps are being conducted for 12hours spread over 3-5 days, and every certified candidate receives Rs. 500 as reward money post successful certification. The project aims to enhance the percentage of skilled workersby providing skill-based certification to more than 15,000 workers.Till date, over 2,200 candidates have been trainedacross 24villages.Interested candidates can visit https://sankalp.msde.gov.in/#/web/agsc and register themselves for future camps.

Adarsh Gram Skill Camps are being implemented through six Sector Skill Councils (SSCs). The SSCs are responsible for project conceptualisation, identification of villages& training partners, mobilisation of candidates, theirtraining & certification as well. The SSCs shortlisted for the implementation includes:

• Paint & Coatings Skill Council (PCSC)will provide RPL certification inAssistant Decorative Painter job role
• Indian Plumbing Skill Council (IPSC)will provide RPL certification inPlumber & Assistant Plumber trades
• Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC) will offer certification in the job-roles ofTaxi Driver &Automotive Service Technician for 2 & 3 wheelers
• Furniture & Fittings Skill Council for Assistant Carpenter trade
• Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) for Dairy Farmer/Entrepreneur & Aquaculture worker job roles
• Food Industry Capacity & Skill Initiative (FICSI) will provide RPL certification in the job rolesof Fruits & Vegetables selection in-charge, Pickle Making Technician, Jam Jelly & Ketchup processing technician,traditional snack & savoury maker, craft baker &multi-skilled technician (Food Processing)

The camps are a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and respective State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs), District Skill Committees (DSCs) and Gram Panchayats. Gram Panchayats hold a significant role as they are responsible for creating awareness among prospective candidates about the suitable job roles they can choose. They will assist in creating employment linkages for skilled and certified candidates from the programme.

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the Indian economy, but we are now on the path to recovery. Adarsh Gram Skill Camps will play a key role in giving the much-needed boost of recovery and then growth to people in rural areas. Candidates will be able to acquire a skill-based certificate in their chosen job role and subsequently enhance their livelihood. At the same time, Adarsh Gram Skill Camps will help Gram Panchayats to reach their development goal in line with the mission of AatmaNirbhar Bharat.

About SANKALP

Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion ("SANKALP") is a programme under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship with loan assistance from the World Bank. It aims to improve short-term skill training qualitatively and quantitatively through strengthening institutions, bringing in better market connectivity and inclusion of marginalised sections of the society.

Know more about SANKALP at www.sankalp.msde.gov.in

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