India Boosts Geriatric Workforce: NISD Recognized as Awarding Body by NCVET

The formal signing ceremony of the agreement took place in the presence of Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE and Chairperson of NCVET.

In a significant move to bolster the social sector’s capacity to meet the needs of India’s ageing population, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has officially recognized the National Institute of Social Defence (NISD) as an Awarding Body (Dual Category). This milestone marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of vocational education and training (VET) in the country, particularly in the niche yet increasingly crucial domain of geriatric care and social defence.

The formal signing ceremony of the agreement took place in the presence of Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE and Chairperson of NCVET. The event was also attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), including Ms. Monali P. Dhakate, Joint Secretary, and Shri Praveen Thind, Director, NISD.

What the Recognition Means

This recognition grants NISD the authority to award, assess, and certify learners under qualifications approved or adopted by it, where the training is directly delivered through its own training centers or fully managed campuses. As an Awarding Body in the Dual Category, NISD will not only deliver training but also act as an examining and certifying agency, in line with national skill development standards.

The dual recognition is a strategic enabler that brings NISD’s specialized training programs under the umbrella of quality assurance and regulatory oversight. It ensures these programs are standardized, accredited, and aligned with both national frameworks like the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and international benchmarks. This alignment will further the integration of NISD’s work with flagship government initiatives such as the Skill India Mission.

Addressing India’s Geriatric Challenge

India is experiencing a major demographic shift with a rapidly growing elderly population. According to UN estimates, the number of people over 60 in India is expected to double by 2050, creating an urgent need for specialized services and trained personnel to address their health and social care needs.

Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, while addressing the gathering, emphasized the critical importance of building a skilled geriatric workforce:

“With India’s ageing population on the rise, there is an increasing demand for professionally trained individuals in elderly care. This partnership is a timely step toward equipping our youth with the necessary skills to serve this segment effectively. We aim to meet not just national but also global demand for skilled geriatric professionals.”

This sentiment was echoed by Ms. Monali Dhakate, who highlighted the broader vision of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment:

“This recognition of NISD as an awarding body is a landmark in our efforts to professionalize training in the social defence sector. By aligning our programs with national and international standards, we are ensuring our trainees are not only employable but competitive on a global scale.”

NISD’s Role in Social Defence and Human Resource Development

The National Institute of Social Defence, an autonomous body under the MoSJE, has been the nodal agency for training and research in areas of social concern including drug abuse prevention, beggary prevention, welfare of senior citizens, transgender issues, and more. With its deep-rooted expertise and experience in social defence, NISD is uniquely positioned to play a transformative role in capacity building for the social sector.

Its new status as an awarding body under NCVET will allow it to further professionalize its training efforts, create new qualification packs for the geriatric care sector, and expand outreach to a wider learner base across the country.

NCVET’s Mission: Standardization and Regulation for Skilling Excellence

The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) serves as the apex regulator for all entities involved in vocational education. Its core function is to recognize and regulate awarding bodies and assessment agencies, set standards for qualifications, and promote uniformity in skilling outcomes.

NCVET’s partnership with NISD is a reflection of its commitment to diversify the skilling ecosystem, extend the benefits of formal certification to new domains, and foster innovation in training delivery, especially in underserved areas like elderly care.

Looking Ahead

The agreement between NCVET and NISD opens up new avenues for professional growth and employment in the social sector. It is expected to:

• Enhance credibility of NISD’s training programs through formal recognition.

• Facilitate mobility of skilled professionals within India and abroad.

• Address workforce shortages in elderly care services both nationally and internationally.

• Support caregivers, NGOs, and social workers with structured and accredited training.

• Empower youth, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, with meaningful career opportunities in the social defence sector.

As India embraces the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society, collaborations such as this will be critical in building an inclusive, skilled, and compassionate workforce ready to support the needs of its senior citizens. The recognition of NISD as an awarding body is not just a technical upgrade—it is a visionary step toward a more humane and prepared future.