Skill Development Programs by CLE

By AdminPublished On: February 14, 2025Categories: Council for Leather Exports (CLE)0 Comments

The Indian leather industry stands as a testament to the nation’s rich heritage and craftsmanship, contributing significantly to the economy through exports and employment. Central to this success is the Council for Leather Exports (CLE), an autonomous non-profit organization under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. CLE has been instrumental in implementing skill development programs aimed at enhancing the competencies of artisans and workers, ensuring that Indian leather products meet and exceed global standards.

The Imperative for Skill Development in the Leather Industry

India’s leather sector is one of the oldest manufacturing industries, deeply embedded in the cultural and economic fabric of the nation. Employing over 4 million individuals, it is a labor-intensive industry with a significant portion of its workforce below the age of 35. This youthful demographic presents both an opportunity and a challenge: while there is immense potential for innovation and growth, there is also a pressing need for structured skill development to harness this potential effectively.

The industry encompasses various subsectors, including footwear, leather goods, garments, finished leather, saddlery, and harness. To maintain competitiveness in these areas, especially in the face of evolving global standards and consumer preferences, continuous skill enhancement is essential.

CLE’s Initiatives in Skill Development

Recognizing the critical importance of a skilled workforce, CLE has undertaken several initiatives to upgrade the skills of artisans and workers:

Human Resource Development (HRD) Scheme: The primary objective of this program is to provide skilled manpower to the leather sector, enabling it to capitalize on growth opportunities in the economy. The scheme focuses on:
- Skill Upgradation: Enhancing the skills of workers in both organized and unorganized sectors to produce technically superior products.
- Technology Dissemination: Promoting a culture of technology within the industry by exposing select workers and craftsmen to global best practices.
- Training of Trainers: Upgrading the skills of trainers and experts from technical institutions and NGOs through both domestic and international training programs.
- Placement-Linked Training: Providing financial assistance for training youth and placing them into gainful employment in the leather sector. The Ministry funds 75% of the expenditures incurred, subject to a maximum of Rs.10,000 per person trained and placed in the industry. The balance 25% is to be borne by the Implementing Agency (IA), often in partnership with the industry.
On-Site Training for Existing Employees: Targeting current employees, this initiative aims to enhance productivity by exposing workers to improved manufacturing processes directly on the shop floor. For such training, 50% of the project cost is met by the counterpart in the case of Small Scale Industries (SSI) and 25% in the case of Non-SSI.
Identification of Trades and Trainees: The scheme addresses the human resource needs across the entire value chain, from flaying to finished products. Trades include flaying, preservation, tanning, finishing, waste treatment, footwear manufacturing, leather garments, leather goods, and more. Trainees are selected based on the industry’s requirements, ensuring that the training provided aligns with current market needs.
Machinery and Equipment Provision: Implementing Agencies are responsible for configuring and providing appropriate equipment in training centers, ensuring that trainees gain hands-on experience with the latest machinery used in the industry.
Content Development: Training content is developed with inputs from the industry to meet global best practices. Given the diverse backgrounds of trainees, content is often translated into local languages to facilitate better understanding and absorption of skills.
Proficiency Certification and Placement: Upon completion of training, trainees undergo competency tests, and successful candidates receive proficiency certificates. Implementing Agencies collaborate with the industry to secure commitments for the employment of at least 75% of the successfully trained candidates.

Impact of CLE’s Skill Development Programs

The concerted efforts of CLE in skill development have yielded significant positive outcomes:

Enhanced Productivity: Workers equipped with updated skills contribute to higher productivity levels, leading to increased output and efficiency.
Improved Product Quality: Training programs emphasizing global best practices ensure that the products manufactured meet international quality standards, bolstering India’s reputation in the global market.
Employment Generation: Placement-linked training programs have successfully provided gainful employment to numerous individuals, contributing to economic growth and social development.
Technological Advancement: Exposure to advanced technologies and processes has enabled the industry to innovate and stay competitive in the global arena.

Altus Exports: Facilitating Global Reach for Indian Manufacturers

While skill development initiatives have strengthened the foundation of the Indian leather industry, expanding global reach requires strategic partnerships. Altus Exports plays a pivotal role in this aspect by assisting Indian manufacturers in exporting their products to international markets.

How Altus Exports Can Assist Indian Manufacturers

Quality Assurance: Altus Exports prioritizes quality at every step, from sourcing to packaging. Their rigorous quality control processes ensure that products meet the highest standards, which is crucial for success in international markets.
Extensive Network: With a robust network of trusted suppliers, manufacturers, and artisans across India, Altus Exports offers a diverse range of products and swift response times to meet global demands.
Customer-Centric Approach: Altus Exports works closely with manufacturers to understand their requirements and provide tailored solutions. Their dedicated support team is always available to assist, ensuring a seamless export process.
Sustainable Practices: Committed to eco-friendly and ethical business practices, Altus Exports supports fair trade and ethical labor standards, aligning with global expectations and enhancing the brand image of Indian products abroad.
Competitive Pricing: Efficient supply chain management enables Altus Exports to offer high-quality products at competitive prices, delivering exceptional value to clients and making Indian products more attractive in the global market.