In pursuance of the recommendation of the All India Council for Technical
Education, the Government of India in the Ministry of Labour Resolution
No. RTA-428(5)/dated the 22nd May, 1951, appointed a committee called
the National Trade Certification Investigation Committee with instructions
to prepare a scheme for the establishment of an All India Trades Board
which would award certificates of proficiency to craftsmen in the various
engineering and building trades. The report of this committee as also the
recommendation of the Training and Employment Services Organisation
Committee (known as the Shiva Rao Committee) have been considered by
the Government of India. The Government agreed with both the committees
that there is need for setting up a central agency for co-ordinating the
training programmes in the country bringing about uniformity of standards
and awarding certificates of proficiency in craftsmanship on an All India
basis. Such a step is the interest of both the industry and the workers in as
much as it ensures that the holders of National Certificates possess a
minimum recognised degree of skill. In addition, it facilitates mobility of
tradesmen and their employment.The Government of India have also decided to transfer the administration of the training organisation under the Directorate General of Resettlement and Employment to the control of the State Government
concerned, retaining for themselves the functions of co-ordinating craftsmen
training and laying down the training policy. This decision has further
accentuated the need for central agency for assisting or advising the Central
Government in the discharge of their responsibilities regarding Craftsmen
Training. It has accordingly been decided, in consultation with the State
governments and other concerned parties, to set up a National Council for
Vocational Training. Accordingly with a view to ensure and maintain
uniformity in the standards of training all over the country, the National
Council for Vocational Training, an advisory body, was set up by the
Government of India in the year 1956. The Council has been entrusted with
the responsibilities of prescribing standards and curricula for Craftsmen
Training, advising the Government of India on the overall policy and
programmes, conducting All India Trade Tests and awarding National Trade
Certificates. The National Council is chaired by the Minister of Labour, with
members representing Central and State Government departments,
employers’ and workers’ organisations, professional and learned bodies, All
India Council for Technical Education, scheduled castes and scheduled
tribes, All India Women’s Organisation, etc. The State Council for
Vocational Training at the State level and the Trade Committees have been
established to assist the National Council.
Ministry of Human Resource Development
Deptt. Of School Education and Literacy
Shastri Bhawan
New Delhi
