Daily Current Affairs : 9-August-2023

In a significant stride towards fostering growth and progress in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India, a pioneering skill development initiative has recently been unveiled under the banner of ‘Transforming Lives, Building Futures: Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in the North-East’. With an allocated budget of Rs360 crore, this initiative aims to catalyze positive change by equipping the youth of the region with essential skills and entrepreneurial acumen.

Aim and Scope of the Initiative

At its core, this initiative seeks to create a robust ecosystem that revolves around skill enhancement, making the NER’s youth industry-ready and competent. The initiative emphasizes aligning various courses with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and leveraging digital infrastructure to foster the development of well-rounded professionals. This integrated approach acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities in the NER and aims to bridge the skills gap while nurturing entrepreneurship.

Key Features

The ‘Transforming Lives, Building Futures’ initiative harbors several key components, each designed to contribute to the overall enhancement of skill development and economic growth in the NER:

  1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Over 2 lakh individuals will receive skill training through this flagship program, thereby equipping them with practical expertise that aligns with industry demands.
  2. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): The initiative intends to engage around 30,000 apprentices, fostering a hands-on learning experience that is pivotal for professional growth and employability.
  3. Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS): Around 20,000 individuals will benefit from this component, aiming to impart skills and knowledge through grassroots-level training.
  4. Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE): The quality of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) will be enhanced to ensure that the training provided is aligned with the dynamic needs of the industry.
  5. Strengthening of Polytechnics: This facet focuses on improving the quality and relevance of polytechnic education, enhancing the employability of graduates.
  6. Special Projects under SANKALP: Tailored projects will be initiated to cater to the specific needs of the North-East region, thereby ensuring that the interventions are attuned to the local context.
  7. Skill India International Centre: This visionary step involves establishing a center to promote international job opportunities, allowing the skilled workforce of the NER to explore global avenues.
Towards a Bright Future

The ‘Transforming Lives, Building Futures’ initiative resonates as a beacon of hope for the North-Eastern Region, promising to unleash the latent potential of its youth. By meticulously addressing skill gaps, enhancing educational institutions, and fostering entrepreneurship, this initiative paves the way for a prosperous and self-reliant NER. Through systematic implementation and sustained efforts, this initiative has the potential to transform the lives of 2.5 lakh young individuals, catalyzing a positive ripple effect that will shape the socio-economic landscape of the region for years to come.

Important Points:

  • Initiative Aim: Foster growth and progress in the North-Eastern Region (NER) of India through skill development and entrepreneurship.
  • Budget Allocation: Rs360 crore dedicated to the initiative for empowering NER’s youth.
  • Ecosystem Enhancement: Create a robust, skill-centric, and industry-ready ecosystem in the NER.
  • Alignment with NSQF: Emphasize aligning courses with the National Skills Qualifications Framework to ensure relevance and quality.
  • Digital Infrastructure: Leverage digital tools and infrastructure to develop well-rounded professionals.
  • Key Components:
    • PMKVY: Train over 2 lakh individuals in practical skills aligned with industry demands.
    • NAPS: Engage around 30,000 apprentices to provide hands-on learning experiences.
    • JSS: Benefit around 20,000 individuals through grassroots-level skill training.
    • STRIVE: Enhance ITIs to deliver industry-relevant training and boost value enhancement.
    • Polytechnics Strengthening: Improve the quality and relevance of polytechnic education to enhance graduate employability.
    • SANKALP Special Projects: Tailor projects to address unique needs of the North-East region and local context.
    • Skill India International Centre: Establish a center to promote international job opportunities, expanding global prospects for NER’s skilled workforce.
  • Transformational Potential: Initiative serves as a beacon of hope, unlocking potential of NER’s youth.
  • Positive Impact: Skill gap reduction, improved educational institutions, and entrepreneurship promotion to drive socio-economic development.
  • Youth Empowerment: Benefit 2.5 lakh young individuals, empowering them for brighter futures.
  • Sustainable Change: Systematic implementation and sustained efforts to reshape NER’s socio-economic landscape.
Why In News

Recently, the skill initiative ‘’Transforming Lives, Building Futures: Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in the North-East’’ was launched, aiming to empower the region’s youth with market-relevant skills and foster a culture of entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to both individual growth and the overall economic development of the North-East. This visionary program not only seeks to bridge the skill gap but also envisions a brighter future where local talents drive innovation and sustainable progress in the North-Eastern communities.

MCQs about Skill Development in North-East India

  1. What is the main objective of the initiative “Transforming Lives, Building Futures: Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in the North-East”?
    A. Promoting cultural heritage in the North-East region.
    B. Developing technology-driven infrastructure in the NER.
    C. Fostering skill development and entrepreneurship in the NER.
    D. Establishing global trade partnerships with North-East countries.
    Correct Answer: C. Fostering skill development and entrepreneurship in the NER.
    Explanation: The main aim of the initiative is to empower the youth of the North-Eastern Region (NER) through skill development and entrepreneurship, creating a robust ecosystem and enhancing their employability.
  2. Which component of the initiative aims to improve the quality and relevance of polytechnic education in the NER?
    A. PMKVY
    B. NAPS
    C. Polytechnic Strengthening
    D. JSS
    Correct Answer: C. Polytechnic Strengthening
    Explanation: The initiative focuses on strengthening polytechnics to enhance the quality and relevance of polytechnic education, thereby boosting the employability of graduates.
  3. What is the purpose of the Skill India International Centre mentioned in the essay?
    A. Enhancing digital infrastructure in the NER.
    B. Providing financial support to skill development initiatives.
    C. Promoting overseas job opportunities for skilled workers.
    D. Establishing research centers in the NER.
    Correct Answer: C. Promoting overseas job opportunities for skilled workers.
    Explanation: The Skill India International Centre is intended to promote overseas job opportunities, allowing the skilled workforce of the NER to explore global avenues and contribute to international markets.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading