Vocational Skill Development Training Needs of Scheduled Tribe Women Neo-literates of Saakshar Bharat Programme -A Study

Abstract

Saakshar Bharat Programme (SBP) a centrally sponsored scheme of Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India (GOI) was launched on the International Literacy Day (ILD) 8th September, 2009 to impart functional literacy to 70 million non-literates in the age–group of 15+ adults in the country. SBP has been in operation in Telangana since 2010 and millions of non-literates were made literates and they are attending Lok Shiksha Kendras/Adult Education Centres (LSK/AEC) for life-long learning to improve their further knowledge and skills for better quality of life. Purpose of the study: The study tried to identify two issues which are the training needs in vocational skill development programmes and identification of impediments while organizing vocational skill development programmes for neo-literates in Saakshar Bharat Programme. Methodology: This empirical research adopted a quantitative method by distributing a schedule to 100 neo-literates located in rural based Mahabubnagar district of Telangana state. The data analyzed by using statistical techniques such as mean and percentages to identify the training needs in vocational skill development programmes. Main findings: The study found that various needs of skill development trainings had identified and all are important for the benefit of the neo-literates. However, the neo-literates are needed various skill development training programmes identified based on the age-groups and marital status to facilitate awareness of various institutes for the promotion of skill development programmes. Application of the study: The findings of the study are useful to the government in implementation of vocational skill development programmes to strengthen the neo-literates economically and socially. The Government may be formulated the models of vocational skill development activities for women which are in demand in the market and also they should update the changes which are likely to take place in the future. The present schemes are to be revised on the basis of feedback of the women respondents to make it more acceptable and practical in nature. Novelty/originality of the study: The training needs in vocational skill development programmes have been identified based on the age and marital status and these are very useful to enhance their life style in the society. Therefore, a determined plan of implementation of further action can significantly empower the neo-literates of Saakshar Bharat Programme.