Increase in Female Engagement in Government Vocational Training Programs Reaches 20 Percent
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Dec 14 (NationPress) The Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) initiative, launched by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has seen a significant increase in female participation in vocational training, which has grown from 12 percent in 2017-18 to 20 percent in 2022-23.
Atul Kumar Tiwari, the Secretary of MSDE, stated that the initiative aims to enhance the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) framework nationwide.
“As part of STRIVE, we have provided financial assistance to improve the capacity of ITIs across various states and union territories,” Tiwari remarked, noting that the initiative has achieved a remarkable utilisation rate of over 92 percent of the funds allocated to implementing agencies.
“STRIVE has played a crucial role in enhancing the ITI system. It has improved the vocational training infrastructure and addressed significant gaps, resulting in better outcomes for both students and stakeholders,” Tiwari shared during an event attended by representatives from the World Bank and officials from collaborating state governments.
Backed by the World Bank, the STRIVE project has reached key milestones throughout its seven-year run. By encouraging industry partnerships, the project sought to boost apprenticeship opportunities and foster collaboration across various sectors.
Additionally, capacity-building programs for ITI trainers have been established to enhance teaching methods and learning results.
The initiative also reported a compliance rate of 35 percent in monitoring on-the-job training (OJT). Moreover, 15 states successfully tackled trainer vacancies, and nine states formulated career progression policies for trainers, based on a model policy developed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT).
“The implementation of STRIVE has pinpointed areas needing further enhancement. The recent budget announcement for its revival through the hub-and-spoke model is a positive advancement,” Tiwari commented.
The STRIVE initiative has set the foundation for fortifying India’s vocational training ecosystem, as per the ministry.
