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Skill India Programme
Context:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) until 2026 with an allocation of Rs. 8,800 crore for the period 2022-23 to 2025-26.
In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Skill India Mission, aligning with his vision of making India ‘Aatmanirbhar’ (self-reliant). The mission aimed to address the skill gap between the demands of industry and the skills of the workforce, ensuring the development of a skilled labour force capable of driving the country’s growth.
Key Features
- The restructuring integrates three important components under the central scheme:
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)
- Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)
- Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme
- These initiatives aim to provide structured skill development, on-the-job training, and community-based learning, ensuring that both urban and rural populations, including marginalised communities, have access to high-quality vocational education.
- The scheme has already benefitted more than 2.27 crore individuals till date.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)
- The PMKVY 4.0 scheme provides National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) aligned skill development training through Short-Term Training (STT), Special Projects (SP), and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for individuals aged 15-59 years.
- Industry-Oriented Skilling: Enhanced on-the-job training (OJT) within short-term skilling programs to ensure real-world exposure and industry experience.
- Future Skills Training: Introduction of 400+ new courses in AI, 5G, cybersecurity, green hydrogen, drone technology, and other emerging technologies.
- Flexible & Blended Learning: Integration of digital delivery and micro-credential courses (7.5 to 30 hours) aligned with National Occupational Standards (NoS).
- Skill Hubs: Training across premier institutions including IITs, NITs, JNVs, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, and Toolrooms.
- Regional Language Accessibility: Over 600 trainee and trainer handbooks translated into eight regional languages.
- Quality Training & Assessments: Development of a national pool of 1 lakh trainers and assessors to ensure standardisation.
- International Mobility: Collaboration through Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs) to enable globally recognised skill training.
- Inter-Ministerial Convergence: Alignment with schemes like PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and NAL JAL Mitra.
- Ease of Doing Business: Reforms in compliance procedures, realigning demand assessment strategies, and reducing the administrative burden.
Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)
- The PM-NAPS plays a crucial role in promoting apprenticeship training as a key workforce development tool. It facilitates the transition from education to work by offering real-world vocational training.
- Apprenticeship Stipend Support: 25% of the stipend (up to Rs. 1,500 per apprentice per month) will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Inclusive Access: Designed for individuals aged 14 to 35 years, ensuring skill development for diverse demographics.
- Industry 4.0 & Future Technologies: Encourages apprenticeships in sectors like AI, robotics, blockchain, and green energy.
- Support for MSMEs & Underserved Areas: Focus on apprenticeship opportunities in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), aspirational districts, and North-East regions.
Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme
- The JSS Scheme is a community-driven skilling initiative focusing on women, rural youth, and economically disadvantaged groups (aged 15-45). It aims to make vocational training accessible, flexible, and inclusive.
- Low-Cost, Doorstep Training: Flexible training schedules tailored to self-employment and local entrepreneurship.
- Social Empowerment: Programs promote financial literacy, gender equality, health awareness, and education.
- Integration with Government Schemes: Aligned with PM JANMAN, Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS), and other national initiatives.
- Digital Certification & Credit Framework: Certifications are mapped to NSQF, integrated with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), ensuring formal recognition of skills.
Strategic Significance
- Aligning Workforce Training with Economic & Industrial Trends: Data from Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) will guide policy adjustments.
- Enhancing Employability & Entrepreneurship: Increased access to industry-aligned training and entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Boosting International Workforce Mobility: Ensuring global job placements through recognised certifications and joint training initiatives.
- Supporting National Economic Growth: By creating a skilled and competitive workforce, the initiative drives employment generation, productivity, and economic development.
