Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launches SCALE App for Skill Development in Leather Sector

During a visit to the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute in Chennai, Minister of Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan launched the SCALE (Skill Certification Assessment for Leather Employees) app, which provides a one-stop solution for the leather industry's skilling, learning, assessment, and employment needs.

The Leather Skill Sector Council created the Android app SCALE to revolutionize how skill development programmes are designed and delivered to trainees in the leather industry. Leather SSC's SCALE studio App allows people of all ages who are interested in leather craft to access online live-streamed classes from the state-of-the-art studio at its office. Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan stated that the leather industry contributes significantly to large-scale employment in the country, employing over 44 lakh people.

He praised CSIR-CLRI for its important role in the development of this sector through a perfect blend of academics and skill development. Pradhan also discussed the changes occurring in the sector as a result of the introduction of digital technologies and environmentally friendly techniques, stating that this necessitates a renewed emphasis on skilling, re-skilling, and up-skilling, as well as drive capacity building.  

He stated that NSDC and CSIR-CLRI will collaborate to address the sector's skilling needs, and he suggested that a national level capacity building programme be held at CSIR-CLRI to augment the capacities of professionals working in this sector.

He also stated that the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, NSDC, CLRI, and the Leather Sector Skill Council will work together to establish Common Facilities and Skilling Centres throughout India, including Chennai. Pradhan urged young professionals in this sector to use technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship to create jobs. He continued, "They must handhold craftsmen to connect them to opportunities available in the digital space, including e-commerce."

Speaking on the occasion, Murugan stated that Tamil Nadu has a large number of talented human resources, and CLRI plays an important role in their development. CLRI also encourages youth entrepreneurship and assists in the establishment of numerous startup businesses. This will allow us to realise our national goals during the ongoing Amrit Kaal, which will lead to 100 years of Indian independence, he added.