Skill Qualification in 66 VHSE schools planned

Thiruvananthapuram: The National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) will be introduced in 66 VHSE schools on a pilot basis from 2018-19. Education Minister C. Raveendranath told reporters hereon Thursday that the other VHSE schools would continue as before. Asked whether the central government would approve of this, he said that the NSQF was to be introduced in the state in 2013. However, it could be implemented only now. As per central norms, the state has to implement NSQF only in 25 percent of the vocational higher secondary schools in a phased manner, said Mr Raveendranath.

The PSC and universities have approved VHSE as a qualification and hence there was no problem with employment or higher studies. The government would also protect those who have been employed in the VHSE schools even after NSQF. There is need only for 300 working hours instead of 625 proposed by the NSQF. The government would evolve a strategy for retaining these staff, said the minister. Kerala is among the few states in the country which are yet to implement the NSQF. As per the NSQF norms, higher secondary schools should also implement NSQF programme allowing students to acquire skill training along with academics to foster entrepreneurship.

Nearly 1,000 courses will be made available at the secondary and higher secondary stages during NSQF. Besides academics, NSQF also proposed 80 hours of skill training. The NSQF would also help shift emphasis to outcome-based learning - both in the general and vocational space. Courses in topics, including retail, health care, information technology, agriculture, beauty and wellness and auto-mobile will be provided to students through the NSQF.