NSDA hobbles with poor HR in service delivery

The National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) lacks adequate human resources that results in delaying the process of its service delivery, people familiar with the matter said.

The NSDA now runs with 56 officials and staffers, whereas it has approval for 88 employees, according to the 2022-23 annual report of the entity under the Prime Minister's Office.

It also revealed that five out of 14 posts of deputy directors, and nine out of 23 assistant directors remained vacant during the period in question.

Besides, a good number of posts in supporting roles such as computer operators and office assistants were also vacant.

A three-year project is ongoing to strengthen the NSDA from 2022 to 2024 at Tk 461 million. Of them, Tk 164 million was allocated for fiscal year (FY) 2022-23.

However, the NSDA project could spend only Tk 43.36 million during the period under review.

Talking to the FE, an NSDA official said inadequate manpower is one of the key reasons for not being able to spend the allocated money during the period.

"We had different programmes, including training and workshops, planned with the stakeholders using the money," he added.

Again, the official said, there were restrictions on foreign tours and training imposed by Finance Division.

Consequently, the NSDA had to defer or postpone some planned tours. As a result, the money remained unspent.

"It's imperative for the NSDA stakeholders to join international training programmes related to skills in developed countries,"

The official further said that moves are underway to recruit new people in the approved roles, as well as hire consultants to expedite the NSDA services.

The latest annual report also revealed that a total of 504 training institutes, including last year's 154, have been registered with the NSDA.

Of them, 368 institutes are allowed to run 2,569 courses and 340 institutes to conduct assessment of 1,989 courses.

Established in 2019, the NSDA is assigned by the PMO to work enhancing the skills of the youth, prepare curriculum, standardisation and certification of different skills, maintain liaison with global partners related to skills and work with industry people.

Aiming to establish better connection between the industry and skilled workforce, the NSDA has formed 16 Industry Skills Council (ISC) representing different sectors, including construction, leather, ceramic, light engineering and tourism.

Tourism and Hospitality ISC chairperson Mohiuddin Helal said the NSDA was still a new organisation moving with a huge responsibility of enhancing skills-related programmes in the country.

"To become a developed nation by 2041, Bangladesh must create employable skilled youths to be hired at home and aboard," he said.

To this end, a smooth operation of the NSDA with its full capacity is a must, Mr Helal concluded.

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