Empowering India’s Youth Through Skill Development

India is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to skill development. The Skill India Mission (SIM), spearheaded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, aims to equip the youth with essential skills that align with industry demands. Through various initiatives, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), the government is empowering millions of young individuals. These programs focus on skill development, re-skilling, and up-skilling, creating a workforce ready for sustainable careers. By bridging the skill gap, fostering innovation, and generating new job opportunities, SIM is paving the way for a self-reliant and developed India.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
Launched in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a flagship initiative aimed at promoting skill development across the nation. The current version, PMKVY 4.0, is being implemented from FY 2022 to 2026. The primary objective of this scheme is to provide free short-duration skill training to the youth and incentivize them for skill certification.
Since its inception, PMKVY has achieved remarkable milestones. In its first phase, PMKVY 1.0 successfully trained over 1.98 million candidates. As of June 30, 2024, the scheme has oriented and trained approximately 14.8 million candidates. This initiative not only enhances the employability of the youth but also contributes to the overall economic growth of the country. By focusing on industry-relevant skills, PMKVY plays a crucial role in addressing the skill gap in various sectors, thereby fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)
The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) program was transferred from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in July 2018. This initiative aims to provide vocational training to non-literates, neo-literates, and school dropouts in rural areas. By identifying skills that are relevant to local markets, JSS empowers individuals to become self-sufficient.
Since its launch, JSS has made significant strides in skill development. As of FY 2024-25, the program has enrolled over 429,762 beneficiaries, with 245,239 trained, 238,048 assessed, and 237,729 certified. The program operates across 32 states and union territories, covering 283 districts with 289 JSS centers and 11,338 sub-centers. This extensive reach ensures that marginalized communities receive the necessary training to improve their livelihoods. JSS not only enhances individual skills but also contributes to the socio-economic development of rural areas.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Launched on September 17, 2023, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana aims to support artisans and craftspeople across 18 trades. This scheme provides end-to-end support, including recognition through the PM Vishwakarma Certificate and ID Card, skill upgradation, toolkit incentives, credit support, and marketing assistance. With an initial outlay of โน13,000 crore, the scheme is fully funded by the Government of India and is set to run until 2027-28.
As of January 28, 2025, the PM Vishwakarma Yojana has received over 26.4 million applications, with 2.7 million successfully registered. This initiative not only recognizes the contributions of artisans but also enhances their skills, enabling them to compete in the market. By providing financial and technical support, the scheme aims to uplift the livelihoods of traditional craftsmen, ensuring that their skills are preserved and promoted in a modern economy.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) was launched on September 25, 2014, as part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). This scheme aims to diversify the incomes of rural poor families while catering to the career aspirations of rural youth. DDU-GKY focuses on providing skill training that aligns with market demands, ensuring that participants are equipped for gainful employment.
Since its inception, DDU-GKY has trained over 1.69 million candidates, with approximately 65% of them placed in gainful employment. The program emphasizes the importance of skill development in rural areas, helping individuals secure better job opportunities and improve their quality of life. By empowering rural youth, DDU-GKY contributes to the overall economic development of the country.
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