The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and bike taxi aggregator Rapido have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in New Delhi to establish job opportunities for gig workers throughout India. The collaboration will connect NSDC's training facilities with Rapido's transport system to offer sustainable income opportunities for individuals across the country.

According to the agreement, NSDC will recognize and engage potential candidates, create uniform training programs for technical and safety skills, and offer certification to improve employment readiness. Rapido will create support networks for driver partners, providing access to two and three-wheelers, and incorporate them into its digital platform.

"Our goal is to equip India's workforce with skills that are relevant to the industry and link them to significant earning opportunities. This partnership will provide people with the abilities required to succeed as driver partners,” says Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and Managing Director of NSDC International.

The initiative leverages Rapido's current network, which now supports income for about two million captains (driver partners) every month and has generated earning prospects for more than five million individuals so far. The platform of the company handles approximately 3.5 million rides each day in over 500 cities.

Pavan Guntupalli, Co-Founder of Rapido says, “The company's commitment to diversity through its "Pink Mobility" initiative, which provides special benefits to female drivers.This collaboration represents an important step forward as we work together to strengthen India's gig economy and contribute to the growth of the mobility sector.”

The partnership addresses growing demand for flexible work arrangements in India's expanding gig economy. According to industry reports, the country's gig workforce is expected to expand to 23.5 million workers by 2030, making initiatives that combine skill development with employment opportunities increasingly important.

NSDC, a public-private partnership working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, serves as the principal architect of India's skill ecosystem. The organization develops vocational training initiatives and supports enterprises creating employment opportunities in emerging sectors.

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Established in 2015, Rapido has transformed into one of India's top ridesharing platforms, providing bike taxis, auto-rickshaws, and cab services. The company has concentrated on extending its reach from urban centers to smaller towns, highlighting cost-effectiveness and availability in transportation.