Schemes

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Objectives of the scheme

The specific objectives of the centrally sponsored scheme of Vocationalisation of secondary and higher secondary education are (i) to enhance the employability of youth through demand driven competency based modular vocational courses, (ii) to maintain their competitiveness through provisions of multi-entry multi-exit learning opportunities and vertical mobility/ interchangeability in qualifications, (iii) to fill the gap between educated and employable and (iv) to reduce the dropout rate at the secondary level.

Components of the scheme
The components of the scheme include introduction of vocational education in government schools from Class IX, capacity building of existing vocational education teachers through in-service training and induction training for new vocational education teachers, development of competency based modules for each individual vocational course, performance linked incentive to government aided and recognized, unaided private schools.

Revision of the scheme
The scheme of “Vocationalisation of Higher Secondary Education”, approved in Sep 2011, was revised with the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Skill Development on 12.02.2014. The main reasons for revision were continuation of the scheme during the 12th Five-year Plan, incorporating the learnings emerging out from the Haryana pilot on NVEQF and subsuming the scheme under the umbrella of Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA). The revised scheme is now known as “Vocationalisation of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education”. The scheme draws on the learnings emerging from the pilot on NVEQF launched across 40 schools in 8 districts covering 4908 students in four industry sectors i.e. information technology (IT)/information technology enabled services (ITeS), automotive and security and retail. The sectors have now been expanded to include travel and tourism, healthcare, beauty &wellness, physical education and training and gems and jewellery Sector.

Modifications in the revised scheme
  • Introduction of vocational education from Class IX onwards i.e. at the secondary stage.
  • 75:25 sharing pattern between Centre and states for funds released under all the components of the scheme. 90:10 sharing pattern for funds released to the North Eastern states including Sikkim.
  • Provision for a flexible pool of Rs. 14.50 lakhs per annum per school for engaging resource persons including teachers/skill Knowledge providers/trainers etc.
  • Provision of financial costs for engaging with the Industry/Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) for assessment, certification and training.
  • Enhancement of funds for purchase of books and e-learning material.
  • Financial provision (1% of total budgetary outlay) for innovative programmes under vocational education.
  • Maximum cost of development of curriculum and learning materials to be of Rs. 2.00 lakhs per skill level per job role.