India has the greatest young population in the world, over 600 million citizens under age 25-the maximum population in any country constituting half of the country’s population. This demographic surely boasts great benefits to an economy in growth but dropping out of schooling threatens not only individual but also economic development. India also faces a major issue in terms of dropout, which stands at 4.13% at the primary level, 4.03% at the upper primary level, and 17.06% at the secondary level. There are more than 6.2% of the youth who are unemployed, and this is indeed a cause of concern for the economy when it has recorded growth of 12% over the last 5 years. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, PMKVY.
What is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana?
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, that has been implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation. This scheme targets all aspiring Indians, fresh, and those who have acquired learning from experience, and under this program, appropriate candidates are provided with a various kind of courses. All those with prior skills or experience are assessed and upon successful completion, receive the certification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This brings them employability. The ministry added further increase and impact of the initiative with the third phase of PMKVY, termed as PMKVY 3.0, launched on 15th January 2021.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana Background
This is the background of PMKVY:
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 1.0
On July 15, 2015, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 1.0 was launched. This focuses on the skill and certification of 50 million youth by 2020. In this scheme also, skill competency assessment, reward upon completion of a training, and industry-led standards in curriculum of courses are an attempt.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 2.0
PMKVY 2.0 was launched in 2016 as a successor to the pilot PMKVY1.0, which had been successfully running from 2015-16. The scheme was further scaled up to cover more sectors and regions. This phase too was focussed on better synergy with initiatives of Government of India such as Make in India, Swachh Bharat, Digital India.
Key interventions of PMKVY 2.0 include by 2020, training and certification of 10 million youth, out-of-school youth and education pursuing youth in the expansion of skill training, financial support provided to the generation of new enterprises, improvement in placement services and internship opportunities, and training of trainers programs.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0
The third phase of the scheme would be implemented in two stages. The pilot launch of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0 will happen in 2020-21 while the development of the implementation framework is going to begin in the second phase which will run from 2021 to 2026.
The objectives of PKMVY 3.0 include training and certification to 15-20 million youth by 2022; new-age and high-end skills which include AI, robotics, 3D printing, etc.; and integration of the Kaushal Daksht portal for the setting up of a database of skilled workers. Infrastructure is also to be strengthened through kaushal kendras and new model training centres. In addition to that, credit-linked placement schemes are to be introduced for fresh trainees; innovation and research in skill development are to be promoted, and short-term training courses in high-growth areas are to be expanded.
Components of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
The following are the key components of PMKVY:
Special Projects
Any state or central government organization, autonomous body, or its equivalent corporate stakeholders who are interested in including their suggestion in nation-building through training of youth are requested to come forward. The number of opportunities in hand would be increased for the targeted candidates. Training will be undertaken at different venues. Training can be in form of short term training.
Short Term Training
The short term course is actually intended to provide specific training, as per National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and to build up personality by enhancing soft skills, financial and digital literacy, and entrepreneurship.
Short-term training would be conducted at Training Centrees (TCs). These would range from 150 to 300 hours depending on the trade. On the other hand, the candidates would be provided with placement training by the Training Partners. The whole scheme would be supported from the government side, while regular payments would be released to TPs to ensure the scheme runs absolutely smooth.
Short-term Training follows standards of NSQF at 5 and below levels to establish quality training with quality check.
Kaushal and Rozgar Mela
Kaushal and Rozgar Melas will be conducted every six months to assist TPs in community mobilisation. Media coverage of the events would enhance accountability and transparency by bringing out the overall situation. Organizing National Career Service Melas and other activities will enhance targeted youth exposure and also social and community mobilization.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an activity wherein skills possessed by a person who happens to be a jobless individual are assessed and certified according to certain set criteria. The responsibility of Project Implementing Agencies like SSCs, Sector Skill Councils, primarily lies in two folds. The council can use various types of projects to carry out the process of RPL, considering the judgment of the employer. In addition, there are RPL Camps. This is a great exposure for people to network with other new people. The RPL Centers assist people who require facilitation with their skills. In addition, bridge courses answer the gap in knowledge that the beneficiary may have.
Continues Monitoring
There is much value attached to continuous monitoring. Just as it is crucial to launch a scheme, it is as important to consistently monitor how the scheme is running. Inspection agencies play a vital role in ensuring that all activities are carried out within established norms and utmost integrity with the welfare of society at the forefront under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. They utilize checkings such as phone validations, monitoring through SDMS (the management system for skill development), self-auditing, and also the latest technology to ensure the auditing efforts without opacity.
Standardised Branding and Communication
Standardized branding and communication must form part of an established scheme. The training centers are also encouraged to use many social networks to create awareness of the program’s benefits in this digital era.
Placement Assistance
Effective branding and communication are part of any established scheme. The training centers are suggested to use different social networks to raise awareness about the program and its advantage in the current digital time.
Eligibility for Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Some general eligibility conditions for PMKVY are as given below:
- Age Limit: Applicant possessing age between 14 to 35 years can apply for PMKVY training schemes.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be the citizens of India to benefit under the scheme.
- Educational Qualification: PMKVY provides training programs for all the literate and illiterate candidates.
- Employment Status: The state of employment status generally preferred for the unemployed or under-employed are usually selected to be trained under PMKVY, as the program aims to make them employable.
- Aadhar Card: An Aadhar card is mostly needed in various cases to apply to PMKVY.
Rede More – Skill India Mission Programme – Objectives and Advantages
Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Many training providers can enroll in a scheme and conduct training with the children. However, training providers are required to register on the SMART site so that they may be able to become a part of the scheme. Sector Skill Councils monitor the implementation of the program at the grassroots level. The National Skill Development Corporation implements this scheme.
Conclusion
The best benefits of signing up for Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana trainings are upgrading to get excellent employment opportunities. Moreover, the expansion of skills and acquisition of in-demand expertise in any field will make the individual even more attractive to potential employers.
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