Last updated: July 19th, 2019 1:53 AM

Green Skill Development Programme

The Green Skill Development Programme, initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), aims at the development of skills in the environment and forest sector to enable India’s youth in getting gainful employment and/or self-employment. On a precise note, the program caters to the development of green-skilled workers having technical knowledge and commitment to sustainable development. It is envisaged to help in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), as well as Waste Management Rules (2016). This article is a detailed account of the initiative.

How is it Different?

Green skills, when compared to most vocational training programs, contribute to the preservation or restoration of environmental quality for a sustainable future. It includes jobs that protect ecosystems and biodiversity, reduce energy and minimize waste and pollution.

Resulting Opportunities

Candidates who undergo training under this initiative may be employed gainfully in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves, botanical gardens, nurseries, wetland sites, State Biodiversity Boards, Biodiversity Management Committees, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, industries engaged in the production/manufacturing of green products as ETP operator, tourism/ agriculture/educational and research sectors, waste management, water management, construction-related areas, etc. Besides this, some of the courses rendered here help the candidates to be self-employed.

Target

The programme was launched with a target of covering 80,000 people during the year 2018-19, 2.25 lakhs during the year 2019-20 and about 5 lakhs by the year 2021.

Proposed Expansion

Following the success of the pilot program, which was conducted in ten selected districts, steps have been initiated to expand the scope of the programme by increasing the number of courses and centres imparting the training. The activities to be performed include process-based green skills that are in demand, such as monitoring and managing activities like energy efficiency, waste, impact minimization and assessment, etc.

Pool of Master Trainers

The courses rendered by the programme would be imparted through the respective ENVIS Hubs/RPs and Institutions/Entities. The reach of the initiative would be expanded through Master Trainers, who would further train youth across the country. For this purpose, a pool of Master Trainers would be initially created for each of the courses. Graduates in science/arts and school dropouts may partake in this program as Master Trainers.

Collaborations

The Ministry welcomes any collaboration or participation from national and international organizations, institutes, agencies etc. to build a strong network, as the same could be handy for green skilling under GSDP for sustainable conservation and management of our natural resources.

How to Apply?

Applications can be made from the Home Page of the initiative’s official website through the Apply Now option on the page. The applicant needs to specify certain basic details before submitting the online form.