HRD Ministry planning to set-up vocational university

The central government is considering the establishment of a National Vocational Education and Training University with regional centres in states to implement its ambitious National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF).

The vocational framework aims to create a pool of skilled workforce for the country. It was unveiled by human resource development minister Kapil Sibal.

As per the sources, under the NVEQF, the proposed university is expected to help develop framework and define requirements of certificate, diploma and degrees in different vocational streams. The proposed university will define fee structure, monitor knowledge-delivery and evaluation methodologies of training providers and award certificate, diploma and degree to students.

The regional centres of the university will give sufficient publicity to modular programmes. These centres will also inspect and register teaching and training institutes and provide career guidance to students. The government has also proposed the establishment of a “National Vocational Education and Training Institute” that shall supplement of the role of the proposed varsity.

However, the AICTE and its regional offices will play the role of the proposed varsity to facilitate implementation of NVEQF until the varsity and regional centres are established.

Meanwhile, National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF) programme has already been launched for polytechnic and engineering colleges.

Unveiling the initiative, HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said multiple sectors were involved in developing the syllabi which enunciates the requirements of the industry for the skills that are necessary.

The positive part of the vocational framework is that it will be integrated with mainstream education and thus provide students multi-level entry and exit options to enable them to seek employment after class XII.
 
[Source: Deccan Chronicle, Economic Times]