Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (I/C) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, GoI, inaugurated the prestigious Visa-THSC Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Project in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, on November 19, 2024. The Minister, who personally endorsed the MoU signing between THSC and Visa, has been instrumental in championing this transformative initiative, which is set to recognize, certify, and upskill over 20,000 individuals across India’s tourism and hospitality sectors over the next three years.
In his inaugural address, Jayant Chaudhary underscored the profound impact of this project, stating, “Through the RPL initiative, we are not merely certifying skills; we are acknowledging and validating the hard work, expertise, and experience of our people. This project is a powerful step toward recognizing and empowering the skilled workforce in Bharatpur and Rajasthan, especially in tourism and hospitality—sectors integral to India’s growth and cultural heritage. By certifying these skills, we are laying a strong foundation for economic upliftment and sustained job creation.”
Targeting the certification of nearly 7,000 individuals across India in its first year alone, the project focuses on roles such as tour guide, customer service executive, food server, walk tour facilitator, and paragliding ground crew chief. Bharatpur’s Keoladeo National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site and major tourist attraction—offers an ideal setting for the project, enabling local residents to gain formal recognition and contribute as ambassadors of India’s heritage and hospitality.
Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, shared his vision for the Visa-THSC RPL Project, stating, “The project aligns closely with THSC’s mission to bridge skill gaps in the tourism and hospitality sectors by providing individuals with industry-recognized certifications. This initiative will uplift livelihoods in Bharatpur and beyond, enhancing service quality across the industry. By raising service standards, we strengthen India’s position as a preferred global tourist destination and create a more competitive, resilient workforce.”
The event was also attended by Subhash Garg, MLA Bharatpur (RLD), and Deepak Bhagchandani, representative of Krishna Charitable Trust, the training partners for this initiative, reflecting the local support and collaborative spirit driving the RPL Project’s success in Bharatpur.
Visa’s role as a global leader in digital payments brings essential expertise in digital literacy, financial inclusion, and customer service to the project. This partnership with THSC ensures participants receive comprehensive training that positions them for long-term career success and empowers them to become valuable contributors to the industry.
Following its successful launch in Bharatpur, the Visa-THSC RPL Project is poised to expand across 10 states over the next three years, including Assam, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh. This national rollout reinforces Visa and THSC’s dedication to advancing India’s diverse tourism landscapes, which aligns with the government’s vision of a self-reliant, skilled India.
The Visa-THSC RPL Project is set to bring long-lasting benefits to India’s tourism sector by creating a workforce that excels in technical skills and essential soft skills, such as communication, financial literacy, and digital competence. As India’s tourism industry grows, initiatives like the RPL Project will be crucial in fostering sustainable, community-centred tourism that strengthens local economies and preserves India’s rich cultural heritage.
