Latest news with #PradhanMantriKaushalVikasYojana
New Indian Express
25-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Centre launches initiative to equip rural girls with vocational training in non-traditional, emerging jobs
NEW DELHI: The centre on Tuesday launched a pilot project in 19 states that aims to equip adolescent girls aged 16-18 years from underprivileged and rural backgrounds with vocational training mainly in non-traditional and emerging job roles. The project 'NAVYA' – Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls - will be implemented in 27 districts of the country, which include aspirational districts and districts of Northeastern states spanning across 19 states. Girls, with a minimum qualification of Class 10, will be identified by the Ministry of Women and Child Development ministry and will be trained through short-term skill development courses under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), with the potential to eventually establish small businesses of their own. The initiative to empower young girls was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), in convergence with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) with the aim to further the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The initiative was launched at Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh. Under the programme, adolescent girls will be trained in skills such as graphic design, telecom and financial services, smartphone and drone assembly, solar PV and CCTV Installation, and hand embroidery - empowering them for emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving job market.
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Skill Development Ministry empowers 1.5 crore people in a year
New Delhi [India], June 11 (ANI): From dusty village corners to buzzing digital labs, India's skilling movement has found new energy. Over the past year, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), under the steady guidance of Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary, has quietly rewritten the story of India's workforce, empowering over 1.5 crore people with skills that matter, a press release said. This momentum didn't happen overnight. It has been built through a mix of policy reform, industry partnerships, and deep community outreach. Take the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0)--over 1.63 crore youth have been trained, many in future-ready sectors like electronics, logistics, and healthcare. Likewise, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has placed more than 8.7 lakh apprentices across 1.5 lakh businesses, reflecting a strong push toward practical, on-the-job learning. A key strength of this movement has been the rising participation of women. Through the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme, over 5.05 lakh individuals have been trained 80 per cent of them women. From tailoring and beauty services to digital skills, women across India are stepping into the workforce with growing confidence and capability. To make apprenticeships more attractive, the government approved a 36 per cent hike in stipends, now ranging from Rs 6,800 to Rs 12,300 per month, with adjustments every two years based on inflation. This practical support is helping reduce dropouts and making apprenticeships a more viable choice, especially for those from low-income households. The transformation goes beyond individuals--it extends to institutions. Traditional ITIs are being upgraded with smart classrooms and updated curricula. A major leap came with the Rs 60,000 crore National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, which will modernise 1,000 ITIs and establish five National Centres of Excellence. These are being designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. A big part of this shift is also digital. The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) has emerged as a powerful platform--over 1 crore users and 50 lakh course completions--offering skills in AI, drone technology, cloud computing, and more. The portal is now integrated with flagship schemes like PM Vishwakarma, JSS, and even Green Hydrogen training, bringing high-tech learning to the remotest parts of the country. SIDH is also driving trust and transparency in certification. New NCVET-certified digital credentials now include QR codes, NSQF levels, photographs, and secure signatories--making certificates easier to verify and more useful for employers. The onboarding of JSS institutions onto SIDH using mobile OTP and Aadhaar e-KYC has made registration simple and scalable. On the ground, the energy is visible at events like Kaushal Mahotsavs in Bijnor and Bharatpur. With 17,000+ registrations and 3,000+ placements on the spot, these events are not just about employment--they're about creating hope at scale. At a policy level, more doors are being opened. The Model Skill Loan Scheme was relaunched with a higher credit cap--Rs 7.5 lakh, up from Rs 1.5 lakh--and now includes NBFCs and non-NSQF courses, allowing more youth to access high-quality training, even from private institutes. Minister Jayant Chaudhary's commitment to industry alignment has also strengthened public-private partnerships. Under PMKVY 4.0, collaborations with Air India SATS, Flipkart, and Swiggy are enabling co-pay skilling with guaranteed placements. And to future-proof this ecosystem, 8,000 new trainers are being trained under ToT programmes with HAL, ICT Academy, and NAC. Institutional development continues apace. Two Indian Institutes of Skills (IIS)--in Mumbai and Ahmedabad--have begun operations, with the first batches graduated in October 2024. Another 200 ITIs are being upgraded as Centres of Excellence, with 800 more in a spoke-hub model. Pilot programmes like the AI Programming Assistant, now running in 19 NSTIs, offer a glimpse into tomorrow's skill landscape. India's skill development efforts are also gaining global recognition. Renewed MoUs with Germany and Singapore, and the Ministry's presence at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlight India's increasing role in shaping the future of global workforce standards. One standout partnership is with Microsoft--the AI Careers for Women initiative will train 20,000 women in Tier II and Tier III towns, blending innovation with inclusion. Across all these achievements, a quiet but clear narrative emerges--this isn't just a year of activity; it marks the beginning of long-term transformation. Minister Jayant Chaudhary's inclusive and reform-driven leadership has focused on making skills more accessible, market-relevant, and future-ready. From policy reform to digital innovation, and from women-led progress to global collaboration, the Ministry's work is no longer just about training--it's about changing lives. And the journey, it seems, has only just begun. (ANI)
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Congress, Rahul Gandhi must learn from Modi govt's 11yrs of achievements: TN BJP
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 11 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson ANS Prasad issued a statement on Wednesday on the 11 Years of the Modi government. Titled as: 'PM Modi's Golden Tenure: A Vision for a Strong India - Success Story for Congress and Rahul Gandhi to Learn from 11 Years of BJP Achievements.' He credited Modi Government with transforming India through its visionary policies and schemes. According to a statement, the government's achievements over the past 11 years have been remarkable, with a focus on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and good governance. The statement said, 'As India celebrates 75 years of independence, it's crucial for Congress party members and Rahul Gandhi to understand and learn from the remarkable achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 11-year tenure. After 55 years of Congress rule marred by corruption and scandals, PM Modi has restored India's pride and dignity. Building on the foundation laid by former PM Vajpayee and drawing inspiration from Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya's philosophy of integral humanism, the Thirukkural's ethics, and the principles of justice, transparency, and morality, PM Modi's golden tenure has become a guiding light for the world.' Prasad said that despite Congress's continuous treachery and malicious propaganda, PM Modi has created a strong and united India, thwarting Rahul Gandhi's attempts to divide the nation through caste and communal politics. 'The Modi government has been a game-changer for India, implementing policies and schemes that have transformed the lives of millions. With a focus on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and good governance, the government has made significant strides in various sectors,' he said.. According to the statement, the Modi government has introduced several schemes aimed at uplifting the poor and vulnerable sections of society, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, a financial inclusion program that has brought millions of people into the formal banking system. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a housing scheme that aims to provide affordable housing to the poor, and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, a skill development program that has trained millions of youth in various trades, are other notable initiatives. The government has passed several historic bills that have far-reaching implications for the country. The Goods and Services Tax (GST), a landmark tax reform that has simplified the tax structure and boosted economic growth, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, a crucial law that has helped to resolve issues related to non-performing assets, and the Citizenship Amendment Act, a law that provides a pathway to citizenship for persecuted minorities from neighboring countries, are some notable examples. Initiatives like Make in India and Startup India have promoted entrepreneurship and innovation, while modernisation efforts in railways have improved connectivity and efficiency. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana have helped to protect farmers' interests, and initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission and National Education Policy have promoted innovation and quality education, the statement says. The Modi government has set an ambitious vision for India to become a developed nation by 2047. Key initiatives include the One Nation, One Election proposal aimed at streamlining the electoral process, and the Census, a crucial exercise that will provide valuable insights into the country's demographics. The government's policies are guided by the philosophy of integral humanism, which emphasises the importance of holistic development. This approach has helped to promote economic growth, social welfare, and cultural preservation. Through initiatives like Make in India and Startup India, the government has promoted entrepreneurship and innovation, while schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have promoted social welfare. Initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Namami Gange Programme have helped to preserve India's cultural heritage. The statement added that the Modi government's policies have been designed to promote the welfare of all sections of society, with a special focus on the poor and vulnerable. The government's commitment to good governance has helped to improve transparency and accountability in administration. The use of technology has helped to streamline processes and improve service delivery. The spokesperson further said, 'The government's efforts have also helped to promote a sense of national pride and unity. India's strength and resilience are exemplified by its mighty armed forces, who stand guard at the nation's borders, ever vigilant and ready to defend the country's sovereignty. The Indian military's prowess was on full display during the landmark Operation Sindhoor, a triumphant surgical strike that showcased the nation's unwavering resolve against cross-border terrorism.' The brave men and women of the Indian Armed Forces have consistently demonstrated their valor and professionalism, earning the nation's eternal gratitude. Under the steadfast leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken a firm stance against terrorism, delivering justice to the victims and their families. Since 2014, the government has authorised surgical strikes against terrorist camps, further solidifying India's reputation as a formidable force against terrorism, he said. The nation's pride in its armed forces and its government's commitment to national security is unshakeable, reflecting the country's unrelenting spirit and determination to safeguard its unity, integrity, and prosperity. 'As India moves forward, the Modi government's vision for a Viksit Bharat will continue to guide its policies and programs, ensuring a developed India that is free from poverty and inequality,' said Prasad. With a focus on inclusive growth, sustainable development, and good governance, the government is confident of achieving its goals and making India a developed nation by 2047. The Modi government's achievements are a testament to its commitment to transforming India through visionary policies and schemes, inspiring a new generation of leaders and thinkers who will guide not just India but the world, the statement concluded. (ANI)
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
The Skill Economy Is Here, and Most Companies Are Still Hiring for Roles
India's workforce is at a crossroads. While the global economy shifts towards skill-based hiring, a significant gap persists between the skills employers need and those job seekers possess. According to the India Skills Report 2025, only 54.81% of Indian graduates are deemed employable, despite a 7% year-on-year improvement. This paradox underscores a critical challenge: the rise of the skill economy has not yet translated into systemic changes in hiring practices, leaving companies scrambling to fill roles rather than cultivating talent aligned with future-ready capabilities. The Skill Economy: India's Progress and Persistent Gaps The Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, has trained over 40 crore individuals, contributing to a notable rise in employability—from 33% a decade ago to 54.81% in 2025. Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) have enabled sectors such as IT, healthcare, and renewable energy to bridge skill gaps. For instance, Karnataka's PMKVY centres trained 1.2 lakh youths in 2023–24, with 68% securing roles in high-demand industries like cybersecurity and green energy. However, the Wheebox ETS India Skills Report 2025 reveals stark disparities. While management graduates boast 78% employability, women's employability rates have declined to 47.5%, highlighting systemic inequities. Furthermore, only 50% of secondary and tertiary students receive vocational training, leaving a void in sectors like AI and fintech, which require 400,000 skilled professionals by 2030. Why Companies Still Hire for Roles, Not Skills Despite the skill economy's promise, most Indian firms remain entrenched in traditional hiring models. A 2024 survey by TeamLease indicates that 62% of companies prioritise academic credentials over demonstrable skills, citing risk aversion and a lack of robust assessment frameworks. This mismatch is evident in sectors like manufacturing, where 45% of employers report difficulty finding workers with automation expertise, despite India's $2.5 trillion construction industry demanding such skills. The tech sector exemplifies this dichotomy. While India produces 1.5 million engineering graduates annually, only 35% possess coding proficiency, per NASSCOM. Yet, firms like Infosys and Wipro continue to recruit en masse for generic roles, investing ₹10,000–15,000 crore annually in upskilling post-hire—a reactive approach that strains resources and delays productivity. Case Studies: Bridging the Skill-Role Divide 1. Renewable Energy Sector: ReNew Power partnered with NIIT to design a 6-month certification program in solar panel maintenance and grid management. This initiative reduced onboarding time by 40% and improved operational efficiency by 25%, demonstrating the value of pre-skilled talent. 2. Healthcare: Apollo Hospitals introduced a blended learning model for nurses, combining AI-driven simulations with on-the-job training. This reduced diagnostic errors by 18% and cut training costs by 30%. 3. MSMEs in Tier-2 Cities: A Surat-based textile SME adopted our skill-mapping audit to identify and upskill workers in digital inventory management. This led to a 20% reduction in waste and a 15% increase in export orders within a year. The Impact of Misaligned Hiring Practices Companies adhering to role-based hiring face three critical risks: 1. Productivity Loss: It takes 6–8 months to upskill hires for specialised roles, during which productivity lags by 30–40%. 2. Attrition: A LinkedIn report notes that 67% of employees leave within a year if their skills are underutilised. 3. Innovation Stagnation: Firms lose ground to agile competitors who leverage niche skills in AI and data analytics. For India, the stakes are high. With 65% of its workforce under 35, the country must align its demographic dividend with emerging sectors. The construction industry alone needs 7.5 crore skilled workers by 2030, yet current training capacity meets only 40% of demand. A Roadmap for Businesses and Policymakers To thrive in the skill economy, stakeholders must adopt a proactive approach: 1. Skill-Centric Recruitment: ● Use AI-driven platforms like Wheebox's Global Employability Test to assess candidates' problem-solving and technical abilities. ● Expand apprenticeship programs under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), which has placed 5 lakh youths since 2023. 2. Industry-Education Collaboration: ● Integrate vocational training into academic curricula. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 mandates this, but only 12 states have implemented it effectively. ● Develop micro-credentials in partnership with platforms like Coursera, which saw a 200% surge in Indian enrollments for AI and blockchain courses in 2024. 3. Gender Inclusivity: ● Address the 8% gender gap in employability through targeted initiatives. For example, Tech Mahindra's 'Women in Tech' program has upskilled 15,000 women in cloud computing since 2022. 4. Government Incentives: ● Expand the Scope of PLI Schemes to include SMEs investing in employee upskilling. ● Offer tax breaks for companies that hire certified candidates from Skill India programs. From Roles to Skills—A Strategic Imperative The skill economy is not a distant future—it is here. Companies clinging to outdated hiring models risk obsolescence in an era where adaptability determines survival. For India, aligning its workforce with global demands requires a concerted effort from businesses, educators, and policymakers. By prioritising skills over roles, fostering inclusivity, and leveraging technology, India can transform its demographic potential into economic leadership. (The author is Founder of Stratefix Consulting)
