“Council plans to set up Centres of Excellence”

Established in 2014, Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC) is a Non-Statutory Skill Certification Body authorized by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.

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Ranjit Madan, CEO, Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council, New Delhi

LSSSDC is a not for profit organization, registered under the Societies Act, 1860. As a National level organization, in partnership with various stakeholder groups, it will serve to address the skill shortfalls in the Life Sciences Sector in India. Its aim, over a 10 year period, will be to map all job roles in the Sector (estimated 100), enlist Training Organisations, train the Trainers and certify approx. 2.1 million skilled workers in this Sector.

At the helm is a Governing Body with representation from various Stakeholder groups, including industry (through major Associations such as IPA (Alliance), BDMA, IDMA, CIPI, ABLE, ACRO, OPPI, IRA (Association), FOPF Government, (through Pharmexcil) and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare MOHFW and Academia (NIPER & PCI). Day to day operations are managed by the CEO, Ranjit Madan (a professional, with 30 years corporate sector experience) and his team. As the emphasis on skill development increases, Prapti Shah from BioSpectrum spoke to Ranjit Madan on the work undertaken by LSSDC and the skill gap that exists in India. Edited excerpts;

The Government in Budget 2020 has allocated Rs 3000 crore for skill development. What is your view on this and how will this be helpful to the Life Sciences Sector?

We hope that an appropriate portion of this would be channelized for the Life Sciences sector, which has a direct impact on human life and is one of the major ‘Priority sectors’ as defined by Niti Ayog.

In your opinion, what steps are needed to impart necessary skills to the existing workforce?