NSDC and Rapido join hands to skill and empower gig workers across India | File Photo
NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) and Rapido have partnered to facilitate skill development for gig workers, bridging the gap between skilling and employability. The collaboration aims to integrate trained individuals into the gig economy, providing job opportunities. NSDC and Rapido signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on April 22 in New Delhi.
The collaboration will leverage NSDC’s expertise in skill development and training with Rapido’s vast network of bike taxis and driver partners (captains) to create sustainable earning opportunities. The initiative is set to offer job seekers access to vehicles, skill development programs, and stable income prospects, significantly enhancing the gig workforce’s employability.
Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “At NSDC, our mission is to empower India’s workforce with industry-relevant skills and connect them to meaningful earning opportunities. This collaboration is a significant step toward strengthening the gig economy by equipping individuals with the technical, behavioural, and safety skills needed to thrive as driver partners. We aim to foster inclusive growth and ensure that everyone has access to skills and support to participate in India’s evolving mobility sector.”
Under the partnership, NSDC will facilitate the identification and mobilization of candidates, while Rapido will create a robust support system for driver partners. This includes providing access to two and three-wheelers and offering an easy onboarding process. Rapido’s platform already supports over five million people, with nearly two million captains earning monthly through the platform.
NSDC will also play a key role in creating effective job linkages by connecting individuals from its vast training network to Rapido’s platform. The two organizations will co-develop standardized training curricula focused on technical, behavioural, and safety skills, ensuring job readiness and improving service quality. Additionally, NSDC will assist in regulatory facilitation, branding, and outreach to expand access to sustainable livelihoods for individuals across India.
Rapido’s “Pink Mobility” initiative, launched as part of this partnership, aims to encourage inclusivity and provide special benefits to female captains working both part-time and full-time. With Rapido’s expansion into over 500 cities across India, this collaboration offers flexible working hours and diverse earning opportunities to individuals from all walks of life.
Pavan Guntupalli, Co-Founder of Rapido, said, “We are excited to partner with NSDC to create earning opportunities for over half a million driver partners every month. Our focus on diversity and inclusivity, reflected in our Pink Mobility initiative, ensures equal opportunities for women, while also contributing to the growth of India’s gig economy.”
