Unveiling the Shreyas Scheme: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

In today's competitive world, the transition from education to employment can be a challenging endeavor. Recognizing this gap, the Shreyas Scheme, also known as the Shreyas Yojana, has emerged as a groundbreaking initiative in India.

 This article explores the Shreyas Scheme's inception, objectives, functioning, financing, and its significant impact on students' employability skills.

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What is the Shreyas Scheme?

The Shreyas Scheme, formally known as the Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills, is a visionary program designed to bridge the chasm between academic knowledge and practical skills required by industries. Launched under the collective efforts of three central ministries: the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, this scheme aims to reshape the higher education landscape in India.

Objectives of the Shreyas Scheme

The Shreyas Scheme has a well-defined set of objectives aimed at improving the employability of students and fostering a symbiotic relationship between education and industry. These objectives include:

• Enhancing Employability Skills: The scheme seeks to enhance students' employability skills by integrating employment-related activities into higher education.
• Industry-Education Collaboration: It aims to establish a robust link between the education sector and the industry, creating a sustainable foundation for skills development.
• Skill Distribution: The Shreyas Scheme actively distributes skills that are in high demand among students, aligning education with real-world needs.
• "Earn While You Learn" System: By introducing an 'earn while you learn' system, the scheme encourages students to gain practical experience alongside their academic pursuits.
• Facilitating Quality Workforce: The Shreyas Scheme assists the business industry in connecting with high-quality workforce resources.

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How Does the Shreyas Scheme Function?

Understanding the operational aspects of the Shreyas Scheme is crucial to appreciating its impact. Here's how it functions:

Ministries Involved

The Shreyas Scheme is a collaborative effort involving three central ministries:

1. The Ministry of Human Resources Development.
2. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
3. The Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Sector Skill Councils (SSCs)

Sector Skill Councils play a pivotal role in implementing the Shreyas Scheme. Initially, they focus on sectors such as Banking Finance Insurance Services (BFSI), Retail, Healthcare, Logistics, Media, and Apparel. As the scheme progresses, additional sectors will be incorporated to meet apprenticeship demand.

Financing

Under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), the Central Government contributes 25 percent of the monthly stipend, up to a maximum of Rs. 1500 per month for each apprentice. Additionally, up to Rs. 7500 may be allocated towards essential training costs when necessary.

Target

The Shreyas Scheme aims to impact the lives of 50 lakh students by 2022, propelling them towards meaningful employment opportunities.

Roles of Key Agencies

• Institutions: Educational institutions play a vital role by explaining the scheme to final-year students and registering them on the SHREYAS portal, specifying their desired skill job roles.
• Sector Skill Councils (SSCs): SSCs identify industries for apprenticeships, conduct tests for proof of skills, and arrange establishments where students can gain practical experience.
• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC): Operated by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), NSDC monitors and finances the program. It also ensures the progress of apprentices and facilitates stipend reimbursement from business enterprises.
• State Governments: State Governments are integral in securing apprenticeship opportunities for students, augmenting the role of Sector Skill Councils.

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Three Tracks in Implementation

The Shreyas Scheme offers three distinct tracks for implementation:

Add-on Apprenticeship (Degree Apprenticeship)

• This track invites students completing their degree programs to select a job role from a list provided by Sector Skill Councils.
• The apprenticeship typically spans six months, preceded by basic sector-specific training.
• Students receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 6,000 from the respective industry.
• Upon successful completion, students receive a skill certificate alongside their degree.

Embedded Apprenticeship

• Existing B. Vocational programs are restructured into courses such as B.A (Professional), B.Sc (Professional), or B.Com (Professional).
• These courses include not only educational and vocational components but also compulsory apprenticeships ranging from 6 to 10 months.
• Students receive a monthly stipend of approximately Rs. 6,000 during the apprenticeship.

Linking National Career Service with Colleges

• This track connects the National Career Service (NCS) portal of the Ministry of Labour & Employment with higher education institutions.
• Students are equipped with essential soft skills required by the industry.

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Conclusion

The Shreyas Scheme stands as a beacon of hope for Indian students seeking to enhance their employability skills and transition smoothly from education to the workforce. With its well-defined objectives, collaboration between ministries, and innovative implementation tracks, it promises to shape a brighter future for India's youth.

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