IRC Code 127: Skill Development Guidelines for Workmen in the Road Sector

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The IRC Code 127, titled "Guidelines on Skill Development of Workmen in the Road Sector," was first published in November 2018 by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC). This comprehensive document focuses on enhancing the skill levels of workers in the construction industry, particularly in road and highway development. As the construction industry remains one of India's largest employment generators, this code is pivotal in addressing skill gaps and promoting productivity, safety, and quality in road construction.

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Introduction to IRC Code 127

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The IRC Code 127 underscores the critical role of skilled manpower in the road sector, where adherence to specified processes is essential. With India having the second-largest road network in the world, investments in road construction demand trained personnel to achieve optimal outcomes. The document provides actionable frameworks for skill development, catering to workers, technicians, and supervisors across various trades.

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Key Objectives of IRC Code 127

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1. Promoting Skilled Workforce: Enhance the technical skills of road construction workers to ensure compliance with global standards.
2. Reducing Project Costs: Address inefficiencies caused by unskilled labor, leading to savings in construction and maintenance.
3. Encouraging Inclusion: Provide opportunities for rural youth, women, and unskilled workers to acquire marketable skills.
4. Ensuring Safety and Quality: Develop comprehensive training programs that prioritize worker safety and project quality.

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Challenges in Skill Development

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The construction sector faces significant challenges due to the prevalence of unskilled labor, which constitutes over 80% of the workforce. IRC Code 127 identifies these challenges:

• Lack of structured vocational training programs for workers.
• Low levels of certification and formal recognition for skills.
• High mobility and turnover of manpower.
• Insufficient training facilities at project sites.

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Highlights of the Guidelines

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1. Classification of Workers:
   • Workmen employed by government bodies.
   • Workers engaged by private construction agencies.
   • Casual laborers and unemployed rural youth.
2. Skill Development Initiatives:
   • Integration of road sector trades into the Apprenticeship Act, 1961.
   • Use of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework to certify informally acquired skills.
   • Development of modular courses under the Skill Development Initiative Scheme (SDIS).
3. Training Facilities:
   • Establishment of project site-based training centers.
   • Collaboration with institutions like the National Institute for Construction Management and Research (NICMAR) and Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).
4. Focus Areas for Skill Training:
   • Masonry and concrete works.
   • Bar bending, steel fixing, and shuttering carpentry.
   • Equipment operation, including road rollers, excavators, and tunnel boring machines.

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Future Directions

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IRC Code 127 outlines a roadmap for sustainable skill development:

1. Integration with National Policies: Align training programs with the National Policy on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015.
2. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration with industry leaders to establish training academies.
3. Digital Training Tools: Leverage e-learning platforms and virtual training simulators for hands-on experience.

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Conclusion

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The IRC Code 127 is a landmark initiative aimed at professionalizing the workforce in India's road sector. By addressing existing skill gaps and promoting systematic training, it ensures the delivery of high-quality infrastructure while fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.

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