Scheme for skills development in ESDM to start in five states

The scheme is being delayed because the list of experts for the selection committees has not been finalised

By Srabani Sen

Tuesday, June 24, 2014: The Department of Electronics and IT (DeitY), Government of India, had approved a scheme in November 2013 for providing skills development in the electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM) sector. The scheme, which aims to train students and the unemployed youth, and enhance their skills for use in the ESDM sector, is yet to see the light of day. “The scheme is being delayed because the list of experts for the selection committees has not been finalised. And this will be done only after the general elections are over,” a senior official at DeitY reported.

An outlay of Rs 1137.7 million has been allocated for the scheme, which will be in operation for four years.

Five states identified in first phase

Although all the states were informed about the scheme and the criteria on which candidates would be chosen for it, the empowered committee has given the go-ahead only to Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab to conduct the courses in all five levels. In addition, Kerala has been selected to conduct the courses for three levels, and Uttarakhand has been chosen to implement the courses at the lower two levels. It is expected that at least one more state will be identified, based on the proposals received under the scheme. “However, no MoUs have been signed with these states yet,” says the DeitY official.

Financial assistance

The scheme provides 75 per cent of the training fee as assistance for courses identified by the Electronics Sector Skills Council, Telecom Sector Skills Council and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT). The remaining 25 per cent of the course fee is to be paid by the student.

“A total of 90,000 people will be supported under the scheme in six states/UTs with five levels of courses. The scheme also provides 100 per cent fee reimbursement to 40 per cent of the candidates belonging to SC/ST/economically weaker sections. The selection of the states/UTs will be done by an empowered committee chaired by the secretary, DeitY,” the official said.

This assistance will be provided only after a candidate clears a certification exam by NIELIT, the sector skills councils (SSCs) or a certifying body recognised by DeitY.

Courses offered

The scheme will facilitate all kinds of non-formal oriented courses that would help develop more skilled hands in the industry. The duration of the courses would range from 200-400 hours, and could be imparted on a part-time or full-time mode. All the trained candidates will acquire a certificate by NIELIT or the SSCs, and will be eligible for financial assistance.

An expert committee is being constituted to select a basket of courses that may be taken up under the scheme. The expert committee will consist of representatives of the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India and the Telecom Sector Skills Council. The SSCs have been asked to make suggestions on the courses that are relevant from the industry’s perspective. Industry associations and other major employers in the electronics manufacturing domain have also been invited to send suggestions regarding specific courses that they expect the training programme to focus on so that it meets their requirements for skilled manpower.

NIELIT and the training partners of the SSCs in the identified states are also expected to gear themselves up in order to provide training under the scheme. They may, through their respective SSCs, approach the nodal implementation agency of the state to do so.

For further details, please contact Sanjay Kumar Vyas, joint director, DeitY ([email protected]) or A K Arora, director, DeitY ([email protected]).