New Delhi, Aug 3 (KNN) The National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) has come out with draft guidelines for granting accreditation to business and industry associations in the MSME sector to help make these bodies transparent and  professional for servicing their constituents.

The NABET with the support of the MSME umbrella programme of the Ministry of MSME , Small Industries Development Bank of India  (SIDBI) and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) will help the industry associations, also known as the business membership organisations (BMOs) adhere to the basic rules to improve their secretariat and professionalise their overall functioning.

While one of the key interventions of the umbrella programme is capacity building of the industry associations, various studies have demonstrated that majority of BMOs suffer from a vicious cycle of low membership- low resources- weak secretariat fewer activities-poor services-low membership.

Despite the intent, a majority of BMOs find themselves incapable of fulfilling their core functions due to lack of capacity, resources, competent staff and robust linkages with government departments , NABET said while issuing the draft guidelines.  

These draft rules, to which views have been sought till August 17, 2013, will provide confidence to all interested parties that the BMO is working in an objective and fair manner and complies with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Recently the Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken a decision to make NABET Accreditation mandatory for Industrial Training Institutes seeking NCVT affiliation.

To receive accreditation, the BMO is required to have adequate management, and support staff, with appropriate qualifications and competencies to effectively carry out the various programs, services and activities of BMO.

It should have a proper policy and system for recruiting, placing and developing human resources; and a sound and proper accounting system which when followed will give a true and fair picture of the financial status of the organization.

Further, irrespective of the size, type, functions or location of the BMO, a central office or secretariat which may be called by any name is necessary for smooth functioning of the BMO which will be headed by a CEO.  The CEO is required to work as per the instructions, directives, guidelines and superintendence and of the elected members, typically the President or duly constituted working group or any committee.

The National Accreditation Board for Education and Training is one of the constituent Board of Quality Council of India. (KNN/PC)