National Council for Vocational Training (N.C.V.T)

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 instruction to prepare a scheme of the establishment of an All India Trade Board which would award certificate of proficiency to craftsmen of the various Engineering and building trades.

The report of this committee as also the recommendation of the training and employment services organization committee have been considered by the Government of India. The Government agreed with both the committee that there is need for setting up a central agency for coordinating the training programmes in the country bringing about uniformity of standards and awarding certificates of proficiency in craftsmanship on all India basis.

Such a step is in the interest of both the industry and the workers inasmuch as it ensures that the holder of national certificates possesses a minimum recognized degree of skill. In addition, it facilitates mobility of tradesmen and their employment.

The Government of India also decided to transfer the administration to the training organization under the control of the State Government concerned, retaining for themselves the function of coordinating Craftsmen training and laying down the training policy. The decision has further accentuated the need for a 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 Government and other concerned parties, to set up a National Council for Vocational Training (N.C.V.T). Accordingly, with a view to ensure and maintain uniformity in the standards of training all over the Country, the N.C.V.T 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 curricula for Craftsmen Training
• Advising the Government of India on the overall policy and programmes
• Conducting All India Trade test
• 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’ organizations, professional and learned bodies, All India Council for Technical Education, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, All India women’s organizations etc.

The State Council for Vocational Training at the State level and the Trade committee have been established to assist the National Council.