• The Union Cabinet approved the continuation and restructuring of Central Sector Scheme ‘Skill India Programme’ till 2026 with an overlay outlay of Rs 8,800 crore.

• The three key components — Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme — are now combined under the composite Skill India Programme.

• The allocation towards PMKVY 4.0 is Rs 6,000 crore, PM-NAPS Rs 1,942 crore and JSS Rs 858 crore.

• There are more than 2.27 crore beneficiaries till date under these three flagships schemes.

Skill India Mission

• The aim of Skill India Mission is to create an end-to-end implementation framework for skill development, which presents opportunities for life-long learning. 

• Under this Mission, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) delivers skilling, re-skilling and upskilling programmes through a comprehensive network of skill  development centres/institutes across the country including rural areas under various schemes.

• The programme is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in various sectors and to promote economic growth by enhancing the skills of individuals, especially youth and marginalized communities.

Objectives of the Skill India Programme:

• Skilling the Workforce: Enhance the employability of youth by providing them with skills relevant to the job market.

• Job Creation and Entrepreneurship: Encourage self-employment and entrepreneurship among trained individuals.

• Addressing Skill Gaps: Bridge the skill gap in various sectors and industries, ensuring that the Indian workforce can meet the growing demands of the economy.

• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that skill development reaches marginalised and rural communities, providing them with equal opportunities for economic advancement.

• Future-Ready Workforce: Focus on integrating technology and digital tools into training programmes, making sure that the workforce is prepared for future job markets.

Key Components of the Skill India Programme:

1) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY):

• PMKVY is one of the flagship schemes of the Skill India Programme, focused on providing industry-recognised, short-term skill training to youth. • The scheme has gone through multiple phases, with PMKVY 4.0 being the latest version that continues to focus on enhancing employability through demand-driven and technology-enabled training programmes.

• A key shift under the scheme is the integration of On-the-Job Training (OJT) within short-term skilling programmes, ensuring that trainees gain real-world exposure and industry experience. 

• To keep pace with evolving industry demands and advent of new age technology, 400-plus new courses on AI, 5G technology, cybersecurity, green hydrogen, drone technology, have been introduced, focusing on emerging technologies and future skills.

2) Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS):

• The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) supports seamless transition from education to work, ensuring apprentices gain industry-specific skills through real-world exposure. 

• To support both apprentices and establishments in India, 25 per cent of the stipend, up to Rs 1,500 per month per apprentice, will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during the training period, provided by the central government.

• The scheme is designed for individuals aged 14 to 35 years, ensuring inclusive access to skill development opportunities across various demographics.

3) Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme:

• It is a community-centric skilling initiative designed to make vocational training accessible, flexible, and inclusive, particularly for women, rural youth, and economically disadvantaged groups and caters to the age group of 15-45 years of age.

• By delivering low-cost, doorstep training with flexible schedules, JSS ensures that skilling opportunities reach those who need them the most, fostering both self-employment and wage-based livelihoods. 

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)