In a landmark move for India's informal workforce, thousands of domestic helpers in Uttar Pradesh have received formal recognition for their years of experience. The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), in partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, has successfully conducted a large-scale Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification programme specifically for domestic workers.
Empowering the Invisible Workforce
The certification event was organised at Ekta Bhawan in Lucknow, under the guidance of the district administration and the labour department. It saw enthusiastic participation from hundreds of domestic workers, along with experts and trainers. The initiative is designed to formally acknowledge the skills these workers have honed over years of service, often without any official validation.
MKS Sundaram, Principal Secretary of Labour, emphasised the transformative potential of this step. He stated that the RPL programme grants domestic workers the formal acknowledgment they deserve, leading to both social and economic empowerment. The certification does more than just validate their skills; it significantly enhances their employability and, crucially, opens doors to legal protections and various social security benefits that were previously out of reach.
Large-Scale Certification and Rigorous Assessment
In this initial phase, an impressive 20,000 domestic workers were certified across the district. This certification now enables them to enrol in further skill development programmes at the district level, creating a pathway for continuous professional growth.
The process was thorough and structured. Officials explained that dedicated trainers meticulously assessed the workers' competencies across various domains essential to domestic work. The certificates were issued by the NSDC in coordination with the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), ensuring national standardisation and credibility. The assessment was conducted by a team of seven trainers from key cities across Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Faizabad, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Jhansi, Kanpur, and Allahabad.
A Step Towards Formalising India's Informal Economy
This large-scale RPL drive marks a significant stride in the government's efforts to formalise skills within the vast informal sector. For domestic workers, who form the backbone of many households yet remain one of the most vulnerable employment groups, this certification is a powerful tool for dignity and upward mobility. It translates their experiential knowledge into a certified qualification, potentially leading to better wages, job security, and recognition of their profession's value in the formal economy. The success of this Lucknow programme sets a precedent for similar initiatives across other Indian states.
