Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of DDU-GKY

Get details of Free Online SOP Certification under DDU-GKY 

As we all are aware that DDU-GKY has setup a benchmark in standardization of skill development projects in India, It is perhaps the India's first skill development project which emphasized on quality of Infrastructure and rigorous monitoring during the implementation of projects.

The "Geeta" of DDU-GKY is SOP. After research of 1 year by the top most professionals in the field of skill development, it was launched in 2013 with the name of Aajeevika which later branded as Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojna (DDU-GKY). 

The entire SOP is divided into two Parts:

1. SOP Part 1: http://ddugky.gov.in/sites/default/files/SOP/SOP_Part_1.pdf
2. SOP Part 2: http://ddugky.gov.in/sites/default/files/SOP/SOP_Part_2.pdf

You can go through the SOP part 1 & 2 on the above placed links and find the beautifully drafted standard operating procedures. There are 6 Chapters in SOP Part 1 & 3 Chapters in SOP Par 2. These are the latest version of  SOP however lot many modification keep on updating the procedures/formats. For this you need to visit the website of DDU-GKY regularly.

National Institute of Rural Development & PR conduct the online certification test of SOP. Once you have qualified the test, Certification is mandatory for functionaries involved in project implementation under DDU-GKY. Different courses have been prescribed for different functionaries.you will be awarded SOP certificate which is valid of the period of 1 year. 

You can find the details of free online certification on below mentioned URL:

http://ddugkysop.in/mod/page/view.php?id=19

Once you are SOP certified, your potential as a stakeholder in DDU-GKY Skilling echosystem rises tremendously. 

Sector Skill Councills (SSC) wise Details of Class Room & Lab, Trainer & Equipment for due diligence of Training Center

Sector Skill Councils (SSC)

Sector Skill Councils are set up as autonomous industry-led bodies by NSDC. They create Occupational Standards and Qualification bodies, develop competency framework, conduct Train the Trainer Programs, conduct skill gap studies and Assess and Certify trainees on the curriculum aligned to National Occupational Standards developed by them.

Till date, the NSDC Board has approved proposals for 38 Sector Skill Councils. There are approximately 450 Corporate Representatives in the Governing Councils of these SSCs.

For more details of SSCs please visit the website: http://msde.gov.in/ssc.html

Now as the huge number of PMKVY, DDU-GKY and other skill development programs are to be kicked off post Diwali and will be in full swing with the start of new calendar year so it the best time to review list of course in terms of sector, trade, job roles, qualification pack, national occupational standards etc. The market scan of courses to be run at your training center will give add on advantage. You are aware of the profit as common cost norms have divided all courses under three categories. It is all related to the financial gain and competition of market.

For your ready reference, we have placed below the required Class Room, Trainer & Equipment details at one place so that a Training Center is ready as per guidelines and you could allign them before the due diligence of Training Center.

1. For the SSC wise - Job Role wise Classroom and Lab Details: 

http://pmkvyofficial.org/App_Documents/News/SSC%20and%20Job%20Role-wise%20Classroom%20and%20Lab%20Specifications.pdf

2. For SSC wise - Job Role wise Trainer Qualification Criteria:

http://pmkvyofficial.org/App_Documents/News/SSC%20and%20Job%20Role-wise%20Trainer%20Qualification%20Criteria.pdf

3. For SSC wise - Job Role wise Equipment Details:

http://pmkvyofficial.org/App_Documents/News/SSC%20wise%20-%20Job%20Role%20wise%20Equipment%20Details.pdf

No Sevice Tax on Skill Development Programmes

All services provided in relation to skill development programmes shall be exempt from service tax. Post budget announcement this year (2016) it was made clear. 

Under this entry, following services shall be exempt from levy of Service Tax:

Any services provided by :         

(i)  The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) set up by the Government of India;

(ii)  Sector Skill Council approved by the National Skill Development Corporation;

(iii) An assessment agency approved by the Sector Skill Council or the National Skill Development Corporation;

(iv) Training partner approved by the National Skill Development Corporation or the Sector Skill Council 

(v) Project Implementing Agency of Deen Dayal Upadhyay-Grameen Kaushalya Yojna (DDDU-GKY) or similar any other programs.

The exemption is available subject to the following two conditions –

1. Services should be provided by specified or approved corporation, agency, partner or council; and
2. Such services should be only in relation to specified programmes or courses

This is a big relief to the stakeholder involved at ground level/remote areas where skill is the need of hour. Further the exemption from service tax has made the entire skill echo system easy access for Training Partner/Assessment and Certification bodies and vendors.

Training Center Infrastructure- Key to Successful Business in Skill Development Industry

A Model Training Center Establishment as per Latest Guidelines-All Projects

Establishment of the Training Center is foundation of a skill development project. As the government has announced common cost norms and guidelines for PMKVY, DDU-GKY and other similar programs, there is specific requirement of infrastructure and equipment.
We have mentioned below the comprehensive requirements for a training center which shall be fit for delivery of training as mentioned in Standard Operating procedures of the various ongoing as well as upcoming projects.

Accreditation Standards have been classified into two parts:

The Training Centres applying for accreditation needs to qualify in all the parameters & standards to get accredited.
1. Common Standards
2. Job Role Specific Standards

Now please find below the details for first Part:
1. Common Standards:

A. Classroom area/ Capacity of Classroom ( For each Classroom):

• Minimum space requirement for each Classroom is 200 square feet.
• Minimum space requirement per trainee in each Classroom  is 10 Square Feet

Laboratory area/ Capacity of Laboratory ( For each Laboratory):

• Laboratory has to meet SSC specific guidelines. 
• In case SSC specific requirements are not given, Minimum space requirement for each Laboratry  is 200 square feet.   
• Minimum space requirement per trainee in each Laboratory  is 10 Square Feet  

Placement /  Entrepreneurship Counselling Cell

• Availability of a demarcated Placement/ Entrepreneurship Counselling Cell , with availability of a dedicated/shared full time Placement Coordinator

Type of Construction of the Building of the Training Centre

• All walls of the Training Centre including Classrooms, Laboratories, Library, Reception etc should be well plastered, colored / dis-tempered/ whitewashed .   
• The walls  and roof  made of Tin sheets are not allowed. The floor of the Training Centre including Classrooms, Laboratories  etc should be cemented and preferably tiled .    (Training Centre which have  pre-fabricated structures and containers are exempted from the above )
• All the Classrooms and Laboratories should be properly ventilated. 
• All the wires and switchboards in the Training Centre should properly covered and secured.

Separate Washroom facility  for male and female trainees 

• Availability of separate washroom facility for male and female trainees

Safe/Clean Drinking Water

• Availability of safe/clean drinking water facility in the form of Reverse Osmosis( RO) /Water purifier/Packaged drinking water dispenser 

Cleanliness and Hygiene

• Availability of a dedicated housekeeping staff at the Training Centre. 
• Availability of a daily checklist /  inspection card as maintained by the Housekeeping Staff 
• Dustbin should be placed in all Classrooms, Laboratories and Reception area .  

Health and Safety Facilities : First- Aid Kit and Fire Fighting Equipment 

• Availability of the First-Aid kit AND Fire Fighting equipment as per below mentioned norms

Aadhar-Enabled Biometric  Attendance System (AEBAS)

Trainer certified in trade as per eligibility criteria mentioned in trade similar agency specified in the Scheme 

Availability of Equipment/ Tools/ Machinery in Laboratory For each Job Role/Trade of Training

For Job Role Specific Standards We shall update our blog shortly.

Challenges in skill development projects for a Training Partner in India

Nowadays skill development is a big buzz. There are more than 10,000 Training Partners involved under various schemes across the country spread in all territories of India. However there are challenges which almost all the Training Providers face.

Industry experts say public perception on skilling and vocational training is still low.  “Skilling is perceived as the last resort meant for those who have not been able to progress in the formal academic system. This mental block has only increased the gap between what the industry requires and what is currently available,” said the project head of an education management firm involved in skill training.

We have listed here some major challenges as per the feedback provided by Training Partners already implementing skill development projects more than a decade.

1. Mobilization

Challenges- The first challenge is the mobilization of the right candidate. As there is target of training specified to be achieved within stipulated time, the Training Providers is inclined towards count completion. They go as per the minimum eligibility to full-fill the norms specified rather than taking the right candidate who actually need the training and further opportunity to explore his skills.

Solutions- The Gram Panchayat Saturation model adopted by Ministry of Rural Develop is helpful to some extent for the purpose of better mobilization. As one youth of the Gram Panchayat get training and placement and start earning a handsome salary, other get inspired from him or her. Awareness about the program is already there since many of the candidates belong from same community

Similar way there are other measures also which could help in mobilization of needy candidates.

2. Training

Challenges- The duration of training is normally 6-8 hours in a day. The candidates feel it boring to be in training for more than 3-4 hours in a day. Now the challenge is to keep them engaged. Further the availability of quality trainers is lesser in remote areas.  The right environment of Training is not developed which in return makes it a wastage of government funds.

Solutions-It is easy to engage youth in technical devices like tablets, mobiles, laptop or desktop with facility of internet. When there is excitement to learn the skill, it becomes easy to retain them in classroom or domain lab. There online learning portals which can be self learned so instead of lecture classes if focus is shifted towards developing the right set of skills within candidates then it shall result better delivery of training.

3. Certification

Challenges- All assessment is to test the proficiency of trained candidates. The language of training and assessment is not same all the time which is a constraint to qualify the assessment for a candidate's. Sometime it becomes difficult for school or college dropouts to learn the lesson. Thus many of these youth decide to leave the training in between.

Solutions-There are tools of assessment which evaluate the various aspects of personality. The assessment process should be designed to test the learning of skills only. It could be in verbal or non verbal or any other form in which the trainees are comfortable.

4. Placement & Retention

Challenge- Almost all the programs of skill development is linked with placement or employment. Here comes the most crucial phase. The candidates complete their training in greed of certificate and other monitory benefits but they due to homesickness and other factors they don't join their jobs.

Post Placement the retention is the only factor which decides the success rate of a project. Around 20-25% of appointed candidates retain their job on an average. There are factors like lack of coordination & motivation from training provider, Support from Parents, work culture at the job place and friend circle at the new place. Further being stranger to the place candidate has to face many challenge.

Solutions-Parent meeting is one the solution before we start placement drives. It shall be helpful to boost the moral of trainees when they are away from home. A coordinator who takes care for the first month at least when they are placed first time is of too much help. The motivation comes from peer group, friends so alumini network also plays a vital role.

These were only few of the challenges in skill development project going on in India at present. The extended support from Government and Local Authorities as well as easy availability of things at the new job location can maximize the retention of candidates in job which is the ultimate goal of these projects.

How to become a Vocational Training Provider (VTP) under SDI Scheme

You can get registered as Vocational Training Provider (VTP) under Skill Development Initiative (SDI) Scheme of Government of India. The portal for registration of a VTP is https://www.sdi.gov.in

The registration of VTP is a very simple process.

You can submit the application online on the portal using the below mentioned URL:
https://www.sdi.gov.in/en-US/Pages/VTPMultiStateRegistration.aspx

One you a get a temporary registration no. generated from the portal, you need to submit the printed application hard copy of application along with the required enclosures as mentioned in the application form.

On successful verification of application followed by field verification (If required) the permanent registration of VTP is generated. This your VTP registration no. which shall be the identification no. of your VTP.

There is option of Multi-state VTP and State Specific VTP registration. You can register as per your scope of business and target beneficiary

International Skilling Echo System

The 44th World Skills Competition will be held at the Abu DHabi National Exhibition Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. in October 2017.

World skill competitions showcase the best talent and on the same time it is an effort to improve the education and job standards around the world. Around the world, Skilling is a buzz now. All developing countries are trying to showcase their potentiality in this field through these championship events. Being the 2nd largest population of world, India is also participating in the marathon of skills. 

Under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), worldSkill India is established to facilitate such events and programs.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)...How to participate as a Training Center

Approved for another four years (2016-2020) to benefit 10 million youth

Allocated Budget 12,000 Crores

What is PMKVY Scheme ?


Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The objective of this Skill Certification Scheme 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. Individuals with prior learning experience or skills will also be assessed and certified under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)...as mentioned on official website of PMKVY-http://pmkvyofficial.org/Index.aspx

What is the Business Scope ? 

The target of skill development is to benefit 10 million youths. In order to facilitate such a huge number there are 40 sector skill council already associated for more than 500 sectors. The official website says:

Training Completed:1975572

Certified: 1361608

Now we could imagine the scope further for skilling youths of India.What are the Guidelines? The latest guideline for implementation of project is placed below;http://pmkvyofficial.org/App_Documents/News/PMKVY%20Guidelines%20(2016-2020).pdfThis guidelines is focused for a period of 4 years (2016-2020). All the training programs will catch the full momentum by January 2017. There are more than 500 training partners affiliated with NSDC which shall play an active role in PMKVY-2.0How can we participate as a Training Center ?This is the best opportunity for Training Centers having adequate infrastructure to get affiliated with Training Partners of NSDC and maximize their earning potential in leaps and bounds. The list of Training Partners of NSDC is available on its website under the below mentioned link:http://www.nsdcindia.org/trainingpartnersYou can identify the training partners operational in your project area and accordingly ask for a tie up. Once the training partner is satisfied with your resources or Terms & Condition, the business model could be worked out. Just insure the payouts as it is the final output of all your efforts.You can find the requiremnts to establish a model training center on the link provided here:  https://skillingndia.blogspot.in/2016/09/establishment-of-training-center-is.html 

Japanese industrial zone, Neemrana as Skilling India Horizons....

Japanese Zone at Neemrana An MOU was signed between RIICO & JETRO on 21.07.2006 for two years and extended further on 19.07.2008 and in August, 2009. Approximately 545 acres industrial land for Japanese investment is reserved at Majrakath-Neemrana. 27 Japanese companies have taken allotment of total 344.82 acres land.

 11 companies have started production activities. More than 250 representatives of around 100 companies have already visited area. Majority of investment is in Auto Sector. Total investment of Rs.2539.60 crores of 27 companies. Opportunities : Automobiles and Auto Ancillaries Bhiwadi-Neemrana Belt Large numbers of Automobiles^[1] projects are located in Northern India within periphery of 150 km of Delhi. Bhiwadi-Neemrana areas are part of Gurgaon Auto Cluster Location of Delhi – Jaipur highway as well as proposed Dedicated Fright Corridor (DFC). 

Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., is setting up IInd car plant and R&D Centre at Tapukara (Bhiwadi).Total investment up to 18.5.2011 is Rs.2363.00 crores. Prominent auto players such Ashok Leyland, TAFE (Eicher), MICO, Ocap Chassis etc., are already functional in Rajasthan One Auto and Engineering zone is in place at Pathredi Bhiwadi-Neemrana Belt being perceived as an independent Auto Cluster. Honda motorcycle and Scooters India (P) Ltd. (HMSI), has set up as subsidiary of Honda Group by investment of Rs.300.00 crores at IMT, Maneser, Gurgaon. It will provide employment up to 6500 persons....Says Wikipedia

Now we need to explore this zone for further skilling. As the location is near to capital of India, Delhi the job opportunities are higher. The companies get the competent employee due to attached hub of skilled manpower.

We can identify such zones near our locations and set up a better skill center with special skill set required in training. These skill centers will provide the skilled workforce to companies in an organised way.

Explore Hidden Skills of India

India is a country of discoveries. Many scientist and Philosophers have discovered the world known theories here. Starting from "Zero" by Mathematician Aryabhatt, Religion Buddhism initiated by Lord Budhha the list goes on up to endless. In the current scenario, India is an emerging hot spot for business and commerce, art and culture, tourism & hospitality, real estate and similar promising sectors.

As the 65% Population of India is under the age of 35 years, this makes it one of the youngest hub of manpower. Anyone who wants to explore the skill set for growth of his organisation, it the best opportunity to grab it.

World Famous Madhubani Paintings or Mithila Paintings

Across India, there are 29 States which comprises of various hidden skills. Some of them are now gradually coming in the limelight for example world famous "Madhubani Paintings".

In this art, painting is done with fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens and matchsticks using natural dyes and pigments.The eye-catching geometrical patterns are very much attractive.

Madhubani art has five distinctive styles, namely, Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, godna and gobar. In the 1960s Bharni, Kachni and Tantrik style were mainly done by Brahman and Kayashth women, who are upper caste women in India and Nepal. Their themes were mainly religious and they depicted Gods and Goddesses, flora and fauna in their paintings. People of lower castes includes aspects of their daily life and symbols , story of Raja Shailesh [ guard of village] and much more, in their paintings. But nowadays Madhubani art has become a globalised art form so there is no difference in the work of artists of the region on the basis of caste system . They are working in all five styles. Madhubani art received international and national attention

Bastar Art- Traditional Dhokra Crafts from Tribals of Chhattisgarh, India

The Bell metal or Dhokra is one of the earliest known method of metal casting. This craft dates back to prehistoric time of Harappa & Mohenjodaro period of Indus Civilization.

Dhokra Metal casting is perhaps the only living tradition of metal image making in Eastern India. The technique has managed to survive many centuries and change and dynasties owing to its modesty of application in everyday lives.
The Dhokra or Bell Metal is casting of figurines and different animals with their antique look. It fits in with interior decor. It is an alloy of brass, nickel and zinc that gives an antique effect of casting. The unique 13 stage process of making this craft is the original creative instinct of the crafts person. This is truly a beautiful amalgamation of Art & Science.

Temples of Khajuraho - International Heritage of Monuments and Arts 

The temples have several thousand statues and art works, with Kandarya Mahadeva Temple alone decorated with over 870. Some 10% of these iconographic carvings contain sexual themes and various sexual poses. A common misconception is that, since the old structures with carvings in Khajuraho are temples, the carvings depict sex between deities, however the kama arts represent diverse sexual expressions of different human beings.

The vast majority of arts depict various aspects the everyday life, mythical stories as well as symbolic display of various secular and spiritual values important in Hindu tradition. For example, depictions show women putting on makeup, musicians making music, potters, farmers, and other folks in their daily life during the medieval era.

There is huge potential of skill development across the country.  Once this young generation gets the right set of skills to perform the right job and paid for same, it becomes a role model for nearby population.Government of India has taken many initiatives for the skilling, upskilling and reskilling of youths but is not sufficient for the population size. Many wise investors have started their CSR projects as an investment in the Human Resource which in return gives them a skilled workforce.

Now there are certain ways through which the hidden skills of India can be even more explored:

History of the place/Location: As we have seen above that the tribal schedule cast and tribes have kept the Dhokra art of Bastar alive. In similar way there are thousands of excellent art which could be modernized and become a big source of livelihoods. Every locality is having its glorious past. The forefathers living there must have adopted some occupations. Those occupations were having certain specific skill sets. These skills could be modernized as per current industry requirements.

They would rule the international market when skilled labor force is involved in an organised way to serve them. These traditional skills are in big demand when equipped with modern approach. In India when we think of doing some innovative thing then these traditional skills are the power house of inspiration.

Present Livelihood of peoples: In India it is really amazing to see how people have made arrangements to perform their jobs. With limited resources they have maximized the output.

We need to promote the start ups so that the younger generation gets right set of skills for right job. I hope this information of exploring hidden skills will touch the new heights of discussion and inspire youths to go ahead and show the world what they can do....!


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How to become a Training Partner under NSDC (National Skill Development Mission)

The National Skill Development Corporation, (NSDC) is a one of its kind, Public Private Partnership in India, under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. It aims to promote skill development by catalyzing creation of large, quality, for-profit vocational institutions. 

NSDC invites application for Funding and Non Funding both type of Partners. Please visit website: http://www.nsdcindia.org/ for detail information.

What is Funding Partner of NSDC?

NSDC will provide funding assistance for creation of skills infrastructure and / or working capital requirement for skill development activity for the first three years only. NSDC assistance shall not be provided for creation of immovable property such as land & building etc.

NSDC may provide funding in the form of loan, equity, preference shares, debentures and grant. However, NSDC will prefer to provide funding in form of loan.

Funding would be up to a maximum of 75% of the investment requirement & Promoter Contribution shall be to the tune of minimum 25% of the investment requirement. 

What is Non Funding Partner of NSDC?

 NSDC can co-opt reputed entities with established credentials who wish to be a part of the “Skill India” and / or “Make in India Mission” but do not require funding and want to be a partner shall be called as Non Funding Partner of NSDC.

The applicant must be Not for profit entity having more than 5 years of sustainable growth. For not for profit entity previously funded by entities like World Bank, ADB, MSDF, UNDP etc. or foundation/social ventures of large corporates may also be considered under this partnership program.

Guidelines of Funding and Non Funding Partner of NSDC

• Funding Partner Guidlines: http://www.nsdcindia.org/sites/default/files/files/NSDC-Updated-Funding-Guidelines.pdf

• Non Funding Partner Guidelines: http://www.nsdcindia.org/sites/default/files/files/Non-Funding-Guidelines.pdf

1. Prepare a Proposal as per opted partnership model (Funding or Non Funding)
2. Wait for the internal review of Proposal by NSDC and further reports
3. Respond to the set of queries raised with documentation
4. Cordinate for the filed visit of DD Team
5. Wait for the PEC meeting and approval of your proposal

To become a Training Partner below mentioned steps can be followed:

Once your proposal is accepted, You become an authorized Training partner of NSDC.

How to become a PIA under DDU-GKY sponsored by Ministry of Rural Development

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) announced the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) Antyodaya Diwas, on 25th September 2014. DDU-GKY is a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), tasked with the dual objectives of adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor families and cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.

DDU-GKY is uniquely focused on rural youth between the ages of 15 and 35 years from poor families. As a part of the Skill India campaign, it plays an instrumental role in supporting the social and economic programs of the government like the Make In India, Digital India, Smart Cities and Start-Up India, Stand-Up India campaigns. Over 180 million or 69% of the country’s youth population between the ages of 18 and 34 years, live in its rural areas. Of these, the bottom of the pyramid youth from poor families with no or marginal employment number about 55 million.

The website address for online application under DDU-GKY is http://ddugky.gov.in/

Eligiblity: Any registered organization (other than proprietorships or partnerships, however a limited liability partnership or LLP is accepted) can apply to be a Training Partners. With below mentioned steps you can become a PIA (Project Implementing Agency) for DDU-GKY.

Step 1: Complete the eForm for a Permanent Registration Number (PRN). You will need the following:

• A picture of your organization's premises/ training facilities
• Copy of the Certificate of Incorporation or Registration

Step 2: After submission of PRN application form through the website, you will receive a 4 digit Temporary Registration Number (TRN) by email from DDU-GKY as proof of submission of the PRN application form. Keep it safely. This TRN has to be referred to in all your communication. Email here for any queries and further information on your PRN

Step 3: After a verification and validation process by DDU-GKY you will receive a PRN. This will be delivered to you be mail (offline and online).

Step 4: After receiving the PRN, proceed to the Project Proposal form to submit a project. The form will also guide you on how to fill and all supporting documentary evidences. Click here for the Form

Step 5: Submit the project application form with complete and accurate details.

On submission of application the project will evaluated in Project Approval Comittee in case of AAP States or Empowered Committee in case of non AAP State and if considered, the project is sanctioned to PIA.