The state government is planning to get at least half-a-dozen of the 100 proposed vocational centres announced under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Centres for Knowledge Acquisition and Upgradation of Skilled Human Abilities and Livelihood (DDU–Kaushal) scheme. Since most of the colleges have poor infrastructure and are understaffed, the government has been pushing its seven University Grants Commission (UGC)-approved community colleges to send proposals for KAUSHAL. While the higher education department expects the colleges to refer to the UGC website and apply directly and take initiatives to get the funds, most colleges are finding it difficult because of poor infrastructure and heavy work pressure. The Telegraph presents a few frequently asked questions about the scheme  

• What is the DDU–Kaushal scheme and what are the Kaushal Kendras?

Launched by the UGC last year, the DDU-KAUSHAL is a scheme aimed to take vocational education to the masses. Human resources development minister Smriti Irani proposed 100 Kushal Kendras in universities and colleges. 
 
• Which institutions are eligible for Kaushal Kendras? 

The scheme states that all varsities, which receive general development assistance from the UGC and are accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) or National Board of Accreditation or have applied for accreditation, will be considered for assistance. The UGC-approved community colleges or institutions conducting bachelor degrees in vocational studies are also eligible. Other universities and colleges recognised under sections 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act, 1956, are eligible too.
Under the scheme, any of the eligible colleges can apply to the UGC to become a Kaushal Kendra. The UGC has a screening committee that looks into the applications. 
 
• How are the Kaushal Kendras different from the existing vocational education courses?

These centres would take up vocational education to offer new courses beyond diploma and bachelor in vocational studies. The courses will range from 6-month certificate course to postgraduate courses and research. They will offer the students with multi-entry and exit points to pursue these courses. 

• Who can apply for these courses?

Students who have not cleared Class X, can apply for the basic six-month certificate course. Once they clear it, they can apply for other courses. Others can apply for courses according to their qualifications. There is no upper age limit. 

• Which institutions in Odisha have so far received approval for DDU–Kaushal Kendras?

So far, only the Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM) has got approval from the UGC for setting up a Kaushal Kendra.

FUNDING PATTERN AND FACULTY

The Kaushal Kendras will receive up to Rs 5 crore during the Twelfth Plan Period from the UGC. A one-time start-up assistance of up to Rs 2 crore will also be provided for developing infrastructure, procuring equipment and renovating existing buildings. The amount will not cover any new construction. Space for housing the centre will have to be provided by the institution.

One professor, two associate professors, four assistant professors, one technical assistant and one multi-tasking staff will be appointed on contract basis for the Twelfth Plan period, that is, up to March 31, 2017. The professor will also act as the director of the centre.

COLLEGES & COURSES ON OFFER

The seven community colleges that are likely to double up as DDU-Kaushal Kendras and the courses they currently offer: 

• Government Autonomous College, Rourkela, offers diploma in retail management under its community college scheme 
• Government Autonomous College, Bhawanipatna, runs a diploma in tourism and hospitality management
• Vikram Dev College, Jeypore, offers diploma in retail management
• Maharaja Purna Chandra College, Baripada, offers diploma in tourism and hospitality management 
• DD Autonomous College, Keonjhar, offers diploma in tourism and hospitality management 
• Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, Balasore, offers diploma in tourism and hospitality management 
• Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur, offers diploma in retail management

 
GROUND REALITY

Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur

The college, which started its skill development courses under its community college scheme last year, is facing several problems. 

“Almost none of our faculty members or staff are computer savvy, which is why we have to outsource the manpower,” said Dr Bijaya Kumar Mohanty, professor and the UGC-in-charge. 

“Besides, the college also runs a language laboratory approved by the UGC at a cost of Rs 5 lakh. We are teaching the students the language skills, vocabulary, phonetics, pronunciation and spelling for their personality development with the help of software developed by IIT Kharagpur,” Mohanty said.

Manmath Padhy, officer, special duty, Khallikote Cluster University, said skill development courses were highly essential for the students. “Nowadays, most students concentrate on their subjects. But they must look into other aspects, which would help them develop their personality and prepare them for competitive examinations.” 

Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, Balasore 

At its community college, a one-year course in tourism and hospitality management is offered. The first batch started in December last year with 50 students. At present, there are 30 students pursuing the course. Around 50 students have taken admission for this year’s course that began in July. The UGC provides the college Rs 22 lakh for running the course. 
 
Government Autonomous College, Rourkela

Speaking to The Telegraph, principal Pratibha Sahoo said: “We are not sure about the nature of the proposed skill development programme as we have not received any proper guidelines regarding this scheme.” 
“At present, we are providing a one-year course in retail management under the community college scheme. The first batch will be able to accommodate 35 students, and they have already appeared their examination. This course is offering Rs 1,000 stipend to the students. “We will require more rooms for any new course, else it will be difficult for us and the existing students,” she said.

Additional reporting by Sibdas Kundu in Balasore, Sunil Patnaik in Berhampur and Rajesh Mohanty 
in Rourkela