‘2017 will see execution for skill development initiatives, labour reforms’

Mumbai: Extensively involved in policy issues and community mobilization relating to livelihood and social security, Gayathri Vasudevan, who is also the Co-Founder & CEO of Bangalore-based LabourNet Services India (an NSDC partner), has shared her opinion about hiring trends, progress in skill development in textile and apparel sector in the year 2016, and projections for 2017. She strongly believes that apparel industry needs to consider seriously that it is not just money which matters, facilities, social infrastructure, medical facilities or such things are also equally important, especially when worker or even middle-level management is relocating near to manufacturing facilities…

LabourNet Service India is a social enterprise, enabling entrepreneurship and employment through skill development and education. It is also associated with famous Indian textile company Raymond for training initiatives with focus on ‘women training’.

She believes that 2017 will be the year of execution for the initiatives or agendas of skill development and labour reforms as 2016 was a positive one in this perspective. Change in Apprentice Act was also a major decision of 2016. Besides, the Government worked on recognitions, guidelines and certifications in the industry. Recognizing this fact, many states are now planning and investing from long-term perspective for skill development.

Gayathri further added that industry has to adopt this concept that skill development – an L&D (Learning and Development) is a continuous process, and not just limited to basic training. Upskilling/reskilling is also equally important but it needs more focus. Similarly, better training infrastructure for women is needed, especially for those who are not a part of the industry and want to work in factories.

As far as Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) is concerned, she said, “Monitoring should focus on outcome, problem is not capacity or certification, we need to ensure is there a proper job after training which serve the purpose of trainee and ensure his/her further growth opportunities.