National Skills Development Corporation and India @75 announce the 3rd edition of 'Power to Empower 2013'

Power To Empower (P2E 2013), a national skills development challenge organized by National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) and India@75 recently launched its third edition in mid-September 2013. Supported by the Muthoot Pappachan Foundation, the CSR arm of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, the P2E 2013 Challenge is aimed at identifying, selecting and rewarding the best solutions bridging the gap between the supply and demand of skilled labour in India.

The application period is open now until December 1, 2013 and P2E 2013 invites individuals, groups as well as organisations to apply. Winners of P2E 2013 will receive cash prizes of INR 1.5 lakh and INR 3.5 lakh for the Idea and Operations categories respectively, capacity building support as well as nationwide visibility. For more details, please visit: www.powertoempower.in

Approximately 53% of employers in India say that skills deficiency is one of the key reasons for entry-level vacancies[1]. Currently, of the 15 million individuals who enter the work force, only 3% undergo vocational training due to limited access to such training opportunities in a fast growing economy. As a result, a majority of India's population cannot realize the employment opportunities necessary to improve their income and lead a more prosperous life.

Recognizing this, P2E 2013 invites entrepreneurs, students, non-profits, corporates as well as enterprises with innovative and scalable solutions to apply for this challenge and contribute to the development of a sustainable vocational skills ecosystem in India.

Applications for P2E 2013 will be accepted as part of two distinct categories - Idea and Operations. The Idea category will focus only on short ideas with a solution concept developed only on paper whereas the Operations category will be open to those with an existing for or non-profit solution already in place addressing this issue.

The winner of the Idea and Operations categories will receive INR 1.5 lakh and 3.5 lakh cash respectively by the Muthoot Pappachan Foundation, the CSR arm of the Muthoot Pappachan Group. In addition, both winners will also receive access to the high profile capacity building Empretec program, an initiative of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

Three finalists within each category will also be chosen, and in addition to the winners, will receive national visibility, networking opportunities, passes to high profile events and capacity building support through access to training courses and renowned experts.

The first connector of a winner and the applicant with the highest public votes in each category will also receive a cash reward of INR 10,000 and INR 15,000 respectively.

Complete selection criteria for both the Operations and Idea categories can be found here.

Dilip Chenoy, CEO and MD of NSDC comments, "P2E 2013 is one such initiative that will foster creation of self-sustainable business models in the skilling space in India. The competition aims to propel India's growth story by creating a large pool of industry ready workmen and also catalyse improved livelihood for millions across the country".

Rajan Navani, Chairman, National Committee, India@75 further adds, "Now in its third year, P2E has previously helped students realize their entrepreneurial dreams and also provided strategic support to early-stage enterprises with solutions addressing India's skill gaps."

Ennovent - an organisation, which accelerates innovations for sustainability in low-income markets - is managing P2E 2013 on behalf of NSDC and India@75. In addition, TiE Delhi-NCR is serving as a knowledge and delivery partner for the challenge and National Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) as the key outreach partner.

Applications for P2E 2013 are open now until 1 December 2013. For more details visit www.powertoempower.in

Source : Equity Bulls

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