The first batch to successfully complete the Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI)’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme for goldsmiths launched at Kolkata last month received their certificates at the hands of Union Minister of State Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge), Government of India Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy.

The 125 artisans were trained at EduJobs Academy after a rigorous assessment and training programme. The RPL certificate helps candidates to identify their inherited skills and get certified for the same which will equip them to get better and more stable jobs and avail of entrepreneurship opportunities.

The GJSCI also announced the launch of new digital initiatives including Swarna Katha and Digi Karigar. Under the first banner, GJSCI will publish success stories of 100s of Swarna karigars, while Digi Karigar will facilitate the creation of a Youtube Channel for the RPL Project, alongwith Email Accounts for all artisans, Facebook Page for the Organisation – ABSS; NDLM certification Linkage & Self-Learning Modules for artisans.

On the occasion, Shri Rudy said, “Digitalization and Skilling are the two important pillars for a brighter future of India. Today, I am glad to see that both of our visions have taken yet another step to reality with GJSCI’s RPL Programme of Goldsmiths that EduJobs Academy has executed. This will empower the artisans of Kolkata and boost entrepreneurship.”

Binit Bhatt, CEO, GJSCI, stated that the jewellery sector is growing and requires an increasing number of skilled experts. “Keeping this in mind, we came up with the idea of RPL program and receiving such good response from Kolkata, which is one of the largest jewellery hubs is quite a motivation for us as a team,” he said.