UPSC Prelims 2017 Q3: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
'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.
- (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.
Answer: (a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels.
Explanation
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is a component of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) under the Ministry of Skill Development.
It assesses and certifies skills people already have but learned informally, such as on the job.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who | Workers with skills from traditional or informal channels |
| Early focus | Construction workers (with the Ministry of Labour and BOCW boards) |
| What they get | A government-recognised certificate and sometimes a cash reward |
| Why | Better wages, mobility and access to formal jobs |
Checking the options:
| Other option | Why wrong |
|---|---|
| (b) University distance learning | Not linked to RPL |
| (c) Job reservations for the poor | RPL certifies skills; it does not reserve jobs |
| (d) Trainees under the skill programme | Those are fresh trainees; RPL is for skills already acquired |
Answer: (a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. RPL certifies existing skills learned informally, starting with construction workers.
- (b) Incorrect. RPL has nothing to do with university distance learning.
- (c) Incorrect. RPL certifies skills; it does not reserve jobs in public sector units.
- (d) Incorrect. Certifying new trainees is regular PMKVY training, not recognition of prior learning.
Key point
RPL (under PMKVY) certifies skills learned informally, first rolled out for construction workers.
Remember
RPL = certify informal skills (construction workers first).
Common mistakes
- Choosing (d) because it mentions certifying skills; RPL is about skills learned before, outside formal training.
- Linking 'learning' to universities.
- Not knowing RPL sits under PMKVY and the Skill Ministry.
Exam tip
Read the scheme name literally: 'prior learning' = skills already gained informally.
Sources
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship — PMKVY guidelines (RPL component)
- Press Information Bureau — RPL for construction workers