India’s national skills development policy and implications for TVET and lifelong learning

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to highlight policies and reforms supporting technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in India. Five questions are addressed in this paper: (1) What challenges are being addressed by India’s recently (2009) adoptedNational SkillsDevelopment Policy? (2)What are the key drivers of theNational Qualifications Framework developments, their distinguishing features, and how is their implementation going to be supported by reforms in the TVET system? (3) How are the various stakeholders involved in the planning and implementation process? (4) What are the different training pathways within the TVET system? (5) How is the Indian TVET system dealing with issues of providing equal access to the marginalized? The paper concludes with a discussion on issues and themes concerning India’s skills development policy and TVET reforms.