The formation of the Sector Skill Committee (SSC) in the Manufacturing sector took center stage on December 29th, Friday, at the Airport Hotel. The formation process was led by Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) and the members of the newly formed SSC consists of representatives from Garment Association of Nepal, Nepal Yarn Manufacturers Association, Summit Power Ltd, Dabur Nepal Pvt Ltd, and Sarwagi Group. 

The Manufacturing Sector Skill Committee will focus on sector-specific skill mapping, develop occupational sector map guide, and actively contribute to market-aligned skills standards. The committee will provide input for a high-quality skill assessment system and diligently monitor TVET activities in manufacturing for ongoing skill development, in addition to advocating for gender-responsive workforce development.

“We are here to support the committee in all technical aspects, but we expect an active and committed role from the private sector to make the Technical Education and Vocational Training sector industry driven,” said Er. Mahesh Bhattarai, Member-Secretary of Council of Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT). 

The committee members include Mr. Mr. Rohit Gupta. Mr. Pashupati Dev Pandey, Ms. Vidushi Rana, Mr. Uttam Prasad Gautam, Mr. Sharad Sharda, Mr. Harkirat Singh Bedi, Mr. Chirag Sarawagi, Ms. Anuza Shrestha. Mr. Gupta has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Manufacturing SSC and represents the Cable, Conductor, Tile and Cement industries. Mr. Pandey is the President of Nepal Garment Association while Mr. Gautam and Ms. Shrestha represent textile industry. Ms. Rana represents footwear industry and Mr. Sharda represents Energy and Power industry. Likewise, both Mr. Bedi and Mr. Sarawagi represent the Food and Beverage industry. 

“We seek advice, suggestions, and guidance throughout the process, particularly in the first year, where our focus will be on defining committee roles and responsibilities and establishing subcommittees,” committed Chairperson Mr. Gupta during his speech. “We will put our effort on transforming Sector Skills Committee into Sector Skills Council with broadened roles and responsibilities in the future,” he added. 

The event, organized by the National Skill Testing Board (NSTB) in support of National Vocational Qualifications System Project Phase II (NVQS P-II), underscored the strength of cooperation between the private sector and the government. This collaboration serves as a unified approach in addressing the critical issues of youth employability in Nepal. 

With the formation of the Manufacturing Sector Skills Committee, there are now a total of six SSCs formed and functional. Earlier, the Sector Skills Committee on Hospitality, Construction, Automobile, Agriculture and ICT have been already formed and are in the process of finalizing their respective Occupational Sector Maps.