Know the Top Schemes Empowering India Through Skills Under Skill India Mission

In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Skill India Mission to ensure the availability of skilled and quality labor, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the economy. The program offers individuals essential training and skill development to secure excellent employment opportunities. The government has implemented several crucial programs to ensure nationwide implementation of the 'Skill India Mission'. Let's have a look at some of them: Read on

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) was launched in 2015 to promote skill development by providing short-duration skill training and monetary rewards for certification. Under the scheme, almost 19.85 lakh candidates were trained in 2015-16. 

• After the 2015-2016 success, PMKVY 2016-20 expanded its reach and aligned with initiatives like Make in India and Digital India. The main objectives were training a large number of youths, boosting productivity, standardizing certification, and benefiting 10 million youth by 2020. 

• The scheme operates through Centrally Sponsored Centrally Managed (CSCM) and Centrally Sponsored State Managed (CSSM) components. For more information, visit http://pmkvyofficial.org/

Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)

• The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), formerly known as Shramik Vidyapeeth, is a unique government scheme implemented through NGOs since 1967. It was renamed in 2000 and transferred to the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship in 2018. 

• They aim to empower non-literate, neo-literates, and school dropouts aged 15-45, especially focusing on women, SC, ST, minorities, and other disadvantaged groups. JSSs prioritize reaching unreached areas with minimal infrastructure to serve the poorest of the poor. For more information, visit https://jss.gov.in/

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra

• As part of the "Skill India Mission," the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched "Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra" (PMKK) - model training centers established in every district of India, aiming to provide high-quality skill training.

• These Kendra includes smart classrooms with audio-visual aids, biometric attendance, counseling services, and residential support as per PMKVY guidelines. They also ensure comprehensive vocational training and mandatory manufacturing trades training that enhances employability, aligning with industry requirements. Visit https://www.nsdcindia.org/pmkk for details.

Pre-Departure Orientation Training (PDOT)

• PDOT was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The program provides free 8-hour orientation training for emigrants heading abroad for work. It covers country-specific dos and don'ts, their rights, and welfare measures. Starting with 4 centers in Delhi and Mumbai, PDOT now operates 39 centers across India in collaboration with State Governments and NSDC.

• This program is delivered by certified trainers trained under Training of Trainers (ToT) programs and is currently operational in 9 centers across 7 cities, training 79,604 candidates as of Dec 24, 2019. Operations in Chennai, Gorakhpur, and Chandigarh began in Nov 2019. For information on the procedure for Online PDOT registration, please visit: http://pdot.mea.gov.in/

India International Skill Centres (IISCs)

• IISC was established by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) under the Skill India Mission to offer skill training and certification aligned with international standards. In the starting phase, IISC implemented Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) schemes to prepare youth for global job opportunities, which was completed on July 2, 2018.

• IISCs provide international-standard assessment and certification, along with career guidance and counseling services for overseas employment opportunities. They offer incremental skill training as needed and have the opportunity to conduct PDOT sponsored by MEA under PKVY. For more information visit https://nsdcindia.org/archive-iisc-network

SANKALP (Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion)

• "SANKALP" is a Ministry of Skill Development program supported by the World Bank, launched on January 19, 2018. Its goal is to enhance short-term skill training both qualitatively and quantitatively, improving market connectivity, and the inclusion of marginalized communities.

• SANKALP focuses on three main areas: strengthening institutions at the central, state, and district levels; ensuring quality assurance in skill development programs; and promoting the inclusion of marginalized populations in these programs. For more information visit the site - https://www.sankalp.msde.gov.in/