Introduction
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, has approved PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana for installing rooftop solar and providing free electricity up to 300 units every month for One Crore households. This program aims to increase the adoption of solar rooftop capacity and empower residential households to generate their own electricity.
The successful implementation of the scheme relies heavily on comprehensive training for Solar Technicians across India. The skilling component aims to establish a skilled workforce capable of installing, maintaining, and supporting widespread solar technology usage. The scheme anticipates creating opportunities for approximately 1,00,000 Solar PV Technicians.
Strategy and Implementation
i. Targeted Candidates: Individuals trained in electrician, wireman, solar technician, or related trades under CTS/CITS pass out or in the final year of such training from ITIs/NSTIs will be targeted for 7 days training including 2 days OJT.
ii. Upskilling and Training: Training will be imparted through Industrial Training Institute (ITI), focusing on solar power installation and maintenance. The curriculum will include both theoretical and practical components aligned with the scheme's needs.
iii. Training of Trainers: National Skill Training Institute (NSTI’s) will conduct training for trainers using their master trainers and the program will last two days. To ensure ToT all across the country as per requirement the same training can be conducted at Govt. ITI having facility to provide such training. In that case DGT will depute Master trainer from NSTIs. MNRE for ToT is to train the 500 trainers.
iv. Training Partner National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) will act as the Training Partner (TP) for this project.
v. Training Centers Identified ITIs and NSTI will serve as training centers. STRIVE ITIs will be preferred due to their established IMC and bank account numbers.
vi. Stakeholders' Engagement MNRE will collaborate closely with MSDE to ensure that skilling initiatives align with the overall scheme goals.
vii. On- the Job training two days OJT will be provided by vendor. MNRE and REC will co-ordinate to connect the ITIs with vendors.
Stakeholders and Their Roles & Responsibilities
A. Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
i. Designated as the nodal agency for the skilling component.
ii. Acting as the Project Implementing Agency (PIA) for upskilling and ToT across the country
iii. Developing the framework for skill training of 1 lakh candidates in consultation with
iv. MNRE.
v. Providing overall guidance and supervision for curriculum development, content, and pedagogy.
vi. Responsible for assessment, certification, and monitoring of training programs.
B. National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI)
i. Training Partner for PMSGMBY in ITIs/NSTIs.
ii. Conducting assessments.
iii. Acting as agency to coordinate with NSDC, RDSDEs, ITIs, and NSTIs
iv. Processing bills and maintaining all records and trade-wise files.
v. Managing grievance redressal mechanisms to resolve candidate queries
vi. Conducting outreach activities to attract potential candidates for skill development training.
vii. Ensuring widespread awareness about the scheme through various promotional activities.
viii. Maintaining the quality standards and guidelines as per PMKVY.
ix. Collecting feedback from trainees and other stakeholders to improve training programs.
x. Fulfilling the roles and responsibilities of training partners as per PMKVY.
xi. Provides technical support and monitoring for the training lifecycle.
C. National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET)
i. Provides guidance and approvals for curriculum.
D. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
i. Identifies industries/locations for skill training.
ii. Supports the identification of potential industries/clusters and candidates
iii. Encourages private sector participation in upskilling.
iv. Proposes industry/vendor names for refresher courses.
v. Facilitates vendor placement of ITI trainees.
vi. Co-ordinate with Vendor for the linkage with ITIs and OJT.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
i. Facilitates creating TC id and generation of certificates through SIDH portal