Question 24 from UPSC CSE 2017 - Current
Affairs

Question

Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels.

Strategy: Deconstruct the scheme's name, 'Recognition of Prior Learning', to identify its core meaning. The strategy is to find the option that aligns with certifying skills acquired through informal, on-the-job experience, rather than formal training.

Key Info: ### Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Scheme
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a skill certification scheme designed to formally acknowledge and certify the skills of individuals acquired through informal means, such as on-the-job experience or traditional family trades, rather than through formal education or training.

*   **Objective:** The primary goal is to align the competencies of the unorganized workforce with the standardized National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). It aims to provide a formal certificate to informally skilled workers, enhancing their employability, mobility, and access to better wages.
*   **Implementation:** RPL is a key component of the **Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)**, the flagship skill development scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It is implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
*   **Process:** The process involves an assessment of an individual's existing skills. Upon successful assessment, the candidate receives a grade and a certificate that is recognized nationally. The scheme also includes bridge courses to address any identified skill gaps.
*   **Target Beneficiaries:** The scheme primarily targets workers in the unorganized sector, such as construction workers, domestic workers, artisans, plumbers, and electricians, who possess skills but lack formal certification.

### Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
PMKVY is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The objective is to enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood.

*   **Key Components:**
    *   **Short Term Training (STT):** To provide skill development training to school/college dropouts or unemployed youth.
    *   **Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):** To assess and certify individuals with prior learning experience or skills.
    *   **Special Projects:** To encourage training in special areas and premises of Government bodies, corporates, or industry bodies.

### National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
The NSDC is a not-for-profit public limited company, set up by the Ministry of Finance as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), holds 49% of the share capital, while the private sector holds the remaining 51%. NSDC's mandate is to catalyze skill development by creating a large, quality, and for-profit vocational training ecosystem.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: Enrolling the persons in universities for distance learning programmes.

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Option C: Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.