Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: Empowering India Through Skill Development

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the flagship skill development scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. This scheme aims to encourage skill development among Indian youth by providing monetary rewards for the successful completion of approved training programs. This piece explores the objectives, key features, and implementation strategy of PMKVY.

Objectives of the PMKVY

The PMKVY is designed with the following key objectives:

• To standardize the certification process and create a registry of skills.

• To mobilize a large number of Indian youth for skill training, enhancing their employability and livelihoods.

• To increase the productivity of the existing workforce and align training with the needs of the country.

• To provide monetary awards for skill certification, incentivizing youth for skill training.

• To benefit 24 lakh youth with an approximate total cost of ₹1500 Crores.

Background of the Scheme

Currently, a small proportion of India’s workforce has formal skill training, leading to a shortage of skilled workers and low productivity levels. Simultaneously, many young people seek economic opportunities. In this context, skill development has become a key priority for the country. The PMKVY aims to bridge this gap by providing quality training, better-paid jobs, and self-employment opportunities, enabling India to become a skill provider for the world.

Strategy and Approach

The PMKVY is implemented through a combination of public-private and public-public partnerships. Key elements of the strategy include:

• Monetary Incentives: Providing monetary incentives for successful completion of market-driven skill training.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Implementing the scheme through collaborations between public and private entities.

• NSDC Implementation: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) serves as the implementing agency.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): All training and certification under RPL are specifically oriented for developing skills in specific growth sectors.

• Separate Assessment and Training: Assessment and training bodies are kept separate to maintain transparency.

• Direct Benefit Transfer: Monetary rewards are directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

• National Skill Development Fund: Funds are transferred to the National Skill Development Fund for utilization by NSDC.

Key Features of the PMKVY

The PMKVY has several key features:

• Eligible Sectors and Job Roles: Training is aligned with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and Qualification Packs (QPs) formulated by Sector Skill Councils (SSCs).

• Demand-Driven Targets: Training targets are allocated to SSCs based on skill demand and Skill Gap Studies.

• Alignment with National Flagship Programs: Training is aligned with government flagship programs like ‘Swachh Bharat,’ ‘Make in India,’ and ‘Digital India.’

• Eligible Providers: NSDC training partners and government-affiliated training centers are approved by SSCs.

• Improved Training Content: Training focuses on improved curricula, better pedagogy, and trained instructors.

• Assessment and Certification: Third-party assessments are conducted based on national standards, and trainees are given monetary rewards.

• Eligible Beneficiaries: Any Indian candidate undergoing skill training by an eligible provider is eligible.

• Monetary Awards: Monetary rewards vary based on job roles and sectors, with higher incentives for manufacturing, construction, and plumbing sectors.

• Direct Fund Transfer: Monetary rewards are directly transferred to trainees’ bank accounts.

• Mobilization of Candidates: Awareness campaigns, Kaushal Melas, and Skill Yatras are used to mobilize candidates.

• Mentoring Support: Trainees receive mentorship for career guidance and employment opportunities.

• Enhanced Monitoring: SSCs verify training centers and certify training curriculum and trainers.

• Evaluation: Trainee feedback is used to evaluate the effectiveness of training.

• Grievance Redressal: An online portal is available for disseminating information and addressing grievances.

Scheme Outlay

The PMKVY has a total outlay of ₹1500 Crores, allocated as follows:

• Fresh Trainings: ₹1120 Crores for 14 lakh trainees.

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): ₹220 Crores for 10 lakh individuals.

• Awareness and Mobilization: 5% of the total outlay.

• Mentorship and Placement Services: 5% of the total outlay.

• Administrative Expenses: 2% of the total outlay.

Implementing Agency and Steering Committee

• Implementing Agency: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is responsible for the implementation of the scheme.

• Steering Committee: A Steering Committee for PMKVY provides direction, reviews the framework, and oversees the implementation process.

Conclusion

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering Indian youth through skill development. By providing quality training, certification, and monetary incentives, the scheme aims to create a skilled workforce that can contribute to the economic growth of the nation. The PMKVY is a significant step towards bridging the skill gap and providing livelihood opportunities for millions of young Indians.