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Picture Courtesy: navpradesh.com

Context: The Railway Minister clarified that the approximately 26,000 individuals who underwent training through the "Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana" until November 2023 would not be given priority for employment within the Indian Railways.

Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

• The Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana (RKVY) is a skill development initiative launched by the Ministry of Railways in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the Sector Skill Councils (SSCs).
• RKVY is aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and follows the standards and guidelines of the National Skill Development Agency (NSDA).

RKVY has three components

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• This component involves the assessment and certification of existing skills and competencies of railway employees based on their work experience and performance.
• RPL helps in validating and recognizing the skills acquired through informal or non-formal learning. RPL also helps in identifying the skill gaps and training needs of the employees.

Short Term Training (STT)

• This component involves the provision of short-term training courses to railway employees to bridge the skill gaps and upgrade their skills.
• STT courses are designed and delivered by NSDC-approved training partners in accordance with the National Occupational Standards (NOS) and Qualification Packs (QPs) developed by the SSCs. STT courses are conducted at railway premises or nearby locations for the convenience of the employees.

Train the Trainer (TTT)

• This component involves the training and certification of railway trainers and assessors who can conduct RPL and STT for other railway employees.
• TTT courses are conducted by NSDC-approved master trainers who have expertise in pedagogy, assessment and quality assurance. TTT courses are also aligned with the NOS and QPs of the respective trades and skills.

Key points about the Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana:

Objective

• The primary goal is skill enhancement. It aims to equip young individuals with technical skills that are in demand across different industries, thereby increasing their chances of employability or enabling them to start their businesses.

Training Focus

• The program provides entry-level skill training in diverse technical trades. Candidates undergo training in specific trades and receive certificates upon successful completion of the program.

Youth Empowerment

• The initiative is aimed at empowering unemployed youths by enhancing their skills, which can lead to better employment opportunities or encourage them to venture into entrepreneurship.

No Guarantee for Railway Jobs

• One crucial aspect highlighted by the Railway Minister is that completing this program does not assure candidates preferential treatment or job placements within the Indian Railways. The focus of the program is on skill development rather than guaranteeing employment within the railway sector.

Entrepreneurship Promotion

• Besides enhancing employability, the program encourages candidates to consider starting their own ventures or entrepreneurial initiatives. This could include using the acquired skills to create small businesses or startups.

Lack of State-wise Data

• The Indian Railways does not maintain state-wise data of candidates enrolled in the Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana. This indicates a broader approach aimed at skill development for youths across the country without focusing on specific regional statistics.

Overall Impact

• The initiative aims to contribute to the broader goal of skill development in India's youth population. By enhancing skills and promoting entrepreneurship, it seeks to create a more capable and job-ready workforce.

Conclusion

• The Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana serves as a valuable initiative to empower young individuals by providing technical skills and certificates, its primary focus is on skill enhancement and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit rather than guaranteeing job placements within the Indian Railways. The aim is to equip the youth with skills that make them more employable across various industries or enable them to create their pathways in the job market.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What is the primary objective of the Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana? A) Providing preferential job opportunities in railways. B) Enhancing skills for employment or entrepreneurship. C) Focusing on academic education. D) Offering specialized technical training. Answer: B Explanation: The scheme's primary goal is to elevate individuals' skills, making them better suited for employment or enabling them to start their businesses.