While the official estimate of the percentage of skilled workers in the overall workforce is around 4 per cent, there are millions of people who are illiterate or semi-literate but are adept in the art of craftsmanship or skilling for generations. From silk of Banaras or Kancheepuram, to gold and jewellery workers of Jaipur, to diamond workers of Surat, there are many people who have mastered the skills that they practice. All they lack is a formal certification. The Recognition of Prior (RPL) learning under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is an attempt to certify and lend credibility to the skills of these craftsmen. How can we reach out to this target audience?

WHY DOES THE MINISTRY CONSIDER IT NECESSARY TO ELICIT PUBLIC OPINION ON THE SAME?
The importance of RPL certification cannot be stressed enough. Approximately 80% of the workforce is engaged in informal sector and 85% of them have acquired their skills through non-formal means. Non-recognition of their skill set means that they are hindered in their career progression and may not witness rising wages. Public feedback on innovative ways of reaching out to the target audience would go a long way in devising focused and effective interventions for RPL.
Last date to submit your suggestions is 13th November, 2016.