1. In accordance with the Central Government’s new education policy of 1986, with a view to encouraging maximum youth to become employed/self-employed by providing vocational education at +2 level, a minimum skill-based vocational course comprising 70% vocational education and 30% general education was started in the state from 1988-89.

2. The aim of this scheme is to increase the employability of everyone, to coordinate the demand and supply of skilled workers, and since this course is practical-oriented, students should acquire minimum skills related to the relevant profession and start their own business or work in industrial establishments, and to reduce the gap in higher education.

3. The name of this course, Minimum Skills Based Course, has been changed as Higher Secondary Vocational Course (H.S.C. Vocational) by the Government Decision dated 2/3/2009 of the Department of Higher and Technical Education.

4. The said courses are implemented at the 11th and 12th levels. The said courses have been revised in the syllabus of this scheme from the academic year 2015-16.

5. As per the directives issued by the Central Government, it is mandatory for all skill education/training programmes in the country to be aligned with the NSQF (National Skill Qualification Framework) standards after December 27, 2018, and no course should be given incentives or financial assistance without it. Considering this, and the fact that no certificate is currently being awarded for the +2 level higher secondary vocational courses, it is clear that this course has become obsolete. Due to limited acceptance in the private sector at the international/national level, employment opportunities are available to students to a very limited extent. In order to maximize the utilization of the basic training manpower available in government junior colleges for skill development, the Department of Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship, Government Decision dated 04.02.2021, has approved the conversion of +2 level higher secondary vocational courses implemented in 53 government technical secondary schools/centers and junior colleges in the state into vocational courses under the Craftsman Training Scheme of existing government industrial training institutes.

6. In accordance with the policy decision to convert +2 level higher secondary vocational courses in non-government aided institutions, a committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Hon. Shri. Vikram Kale, Member of Legislative Council, to recommend to the Government. The proceedings of the said committee are currently underway.

7. Six meetings of the said committee have been held so far. The said committee has been extended till 31.12.2021.

8. After the report is submitted to the government by the said committee, further action will be taken by the government.