'Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme' is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to
- (a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels. ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes.
- (c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings.
- (d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.
Why the answer is (a)
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a component of PMKVY, assesses and certifies skills that workers have acquired informally on the job, aligning them with the National Skill Qualification Framework.
• It was in the news for certifying construction workers under a Ministry of Skill Development–construction industry initiative — option (a).
• It is not about university enrolment (b) or job reservation (c); option (d) describes fresh training rather than prior learning.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes.
- RPL is not about distance-learning enrolment.
- (c) Reserving some skilled jobs to rural and urban poor in some public sector undertakings.
- RPL does not reserve jobs.
- (d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.
- RPL certifies existing skills, not skills taught in fresh training.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.