The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD), in convergence with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), launched NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls) in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh on June 24.

Key points:

• NAVYA programme aims to equip adolescent girls aged 16 to 18 years with vocational training mainly in non-traditional and emerging job roles. 

• NAVYA is not just about employment. It is about building confidence, economic independence, and entrepreneurial spirit among young girls, especially in aspirational and tribal districts.

• Currently, the initiative is being piloted in nine districts across nine states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh. 

• It will be implemented in 27 aspirational districts across 19 states, ensuring equal opportunities reach even the most marginalized regions, preparing the girls for future challenges. 

• Each participating district has designated training centres offering job role-specific vocational courses tailored to the needs of adolescent girls.

• Under this initiative, girls will be trained through Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 in non-traditional and modern job roles 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.

• By offering training in such diverse sectors, the government aims to link girls with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities beyond conventional boundaries. 

• The objective is to not only enhance their skills but to build the confidence necessary to carve a unique identity in all walks of life.

• To ensure effective implementation, District Skill Committees are being strengthened to connect girls with local skill development schemes, job fairs, and entrepreneurship opportunities. 

• NAVYA is not just a skilling programme, but also a social awareness and empowerment movement.

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