Government Initiates Measures to Enhance Education and Training Access for Women
The Government of India is actively enhancing the employability of its youth, particularly women, through various skill development initiatives. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing the Skill India Mission (SIM), which provides extensive training programs aimed at equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills. Key schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) are designed to ensure that all segments of society, including women, have access to skill training and employment opportunities.
Empowering Women Through Skill Development
To foster greater participation of women in skill development programs, the Indian government has introduced special provisions. These include financial support for transportation, accommodation, and enhanced post-placement assistance. The latest iteration of PMKVY, known as PMKVY 4.0, places a strong emphasis on projects that prioritize women as primary beneficiaries. Training programs are tailored to sectors such as Electronics, Retail, Healthcare, Beauty & Wellness, Handicrafts, and Apparel, aiming to attract more women participants. Additionally, Skill Hubs and Special Projects are designed to align with local skill demands, creating opportunities for rural women to engage in skill development initiatives.
This inclusive approach has led to significant representation of women in skill training programs across the country. The NAPS scheme has also seen a rise in female apprentices, with the percentage of women apprentices increasing from 22.79% in 2024-25 to 25.80% in 2025-26, reflecting the effectiveness of these initiatives.
Focus on Vulnerable Groups
The Jan Sikhshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme specifically targets women and other vulnerable groups, with women making up over 80% of its beneficiaries. The government has established 19 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) and more than 300 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) dedicated exclusively to women. Furthermore, a 30% reservation for women candidates in all ITIs, both government and private, has been approved, ensuring that these seats are filled according to the general reservation policies of each respective State or Union Territory.
This targeted approach not only enhances the skill sets of women but also promotes their economic independence and social empowerment. By focusing on vulnerable sections of society, the government aims to create a more inclusive workforce.
Innovative Initiatives for Young Girls
In collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), MSDE has launched NAVYA, a pilot initiative aimed at providing vocational training to adolescent girls aged 16-18 years who have completed at least class 10. This program focuses on equipping young girls with skills for non-traditional job roles, thereby broadening their career prospects and fostering independence.
Additionally, the Swavalambini program, launched in February 2025 in partnership with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform of NITI Aayog, aims to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset among female students in the North Eastern States and other regions. This initiative includes Entrepreneurship Awareness Training (EAP) and an Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP), with the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) serving as implementing agencies.
Government Commitment to Skill Development
The information regarding these initiatives was shared by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, during a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The government’s commitment to enhancing the employability of women and youth through skill development is evident in its multifaceted approach, which includes financial support, targeted training programs, and innovative initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and vocational skills among young women. These efforts are crucial in building a skilled workforce that meets the demands of the evolving job market.
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