Patna: The Labour Resources Department of the Bihar government has launched a new programme to identify and certify the skills of construction workers. The “Recognition of Prior Learning” (RPL) sensitisation event was held at Convention Bhawan in Patna and was opened by Special Secretary Alok Kumar and Sunil Kumar Yadav, Secretary of the Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCW). Many senior officials attended the event.
A model was displayed showing training facilities for workers in trades such as bar bending, electrical work, masonry, painting, plumbing and carpentry. The government also launched an ITI theme song to encourage young people in the state to take up technical education and skill-based careers.
Sunil Kumar Yadav said the programme will help unorganised construction workers get official certificates for their existing skills. It will also offer short training courses to improve or update those skills. Workers will be trained at their workplaces, in batches of 10 to 100 people, and will receive a daily allowance to cover any loss of wages. Special focus will be given to helping workers in flood-affected areas.
Alok Kumar explained that RPL allows workers to get recognition for skills learned outside school or college, helping them find better jobs, promotions and higher pay. The scheme will also keep them updated on safety standards and improve their chances of working abroad. He said the programme will make workers more self-reliant, secure in their jobs and ready for global competition.
