In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) till March 2026, with a financial outlay of ?8,800 crore.

The revamped programme consolidates three flagship schemes under a composite Central Sector Scheme—Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and Jan ShikshanSansthan (JSS)—with the aim to build a skilled, future-ready workforce.

Objectives and Vision

• Strengthen workforce development through industry-aligned, technology-enabled, and demand-driven skill training.
• Enhance global competitiveness, promote international mobility, and align with India's economic priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Digital India.
• Enable lifelong learning, skilling, reskilling, and upskilling through inclusive, flexible, and community-based training.

Beneficiaries and Coverage

• Over 2.27 crore individuals have benefited so far.
• Targeted age groups vary across schemes:
  • PMKVY 4.0: 15–59 years
  • PM-NAPS: 14–35 years
  • JSS: 15–45 years
• Emphasis on marginalized sections, women, rural youth, aspirational districts, and the North-East Region.

Key Components of the Restructured Programme

1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)

• Offers NSQF-aligned training via:
  • Short-Term Training (STT)
  • Special Projects (SP)
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• Introduces 400+ new courses in emerging fields:
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Cybersecurity, Green Hydrogen, Drone Technology.
• Establishment of Skill Hubs in premier institutions (IITs, NITs, JNVs, KendriyaVidyalayas, etc.).
• Focus on international mobility:
  • Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs), joint certifications, and language proficiency training.
• Blended learning models with digital delivery and regional language content.
• Integration with schemes such as PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya GharMuft Bijli Yojana, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and NAL JAL Mitra.
• Adoption of an Ease of Doing Business framework to reduce compliance burdens.

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

• Promotes earn-while-you-learn through industry-specific apprenticeships.
• Government support of 25% stipend (up to ?1,500/month per apprentice) via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Focus on both traditional and emerging sectors like AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and Industry 4.0.
• Encourages participation of MSMEs and enterprises in underserved regions.

3. Jan ShikshanSansthan (JSS) Scheme

• Community-based skilling for economically disadvantaged, rural youth, and women.
• Offers low-cost, flexible, doorstep training for both self-employment and wage-based livelihoods.
• Linked with initiatives such as PM JANMAN, ULLAS, and financial literacy campaigns.
• Also promotes awareness in health, hygiene, gender equality, and education.

Certification and Digital Integration

• All certifications are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).
• Integrated with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), ensuring:
  • Formal recognition of skills.
  • Horizontal and vertical mobility in education and employment.
• Micro-credential courses (7.5 to 30 hours) and National Occupational Standards (NoS)-based training introduced.

Supporting Schemes and Initiatives

• SANKALP(Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion).
• TEJAS (Skilling for international placement).
• Model Skill Loan Scheme.

Significance of Skill India Programme

• Demographic Dividend: With over 65% of India’s population below 35, the programme is pivotal in transforming potential into productivity.
• Employment & Entrepreneurship: Reduces unemployment through structured training, apprenticeships, and encourages skill-based startups.
• Global Workforce Readiness: Aligns with international standards, enabling Indian workers to access global job markets.
• Technological Preparedness: Equips the youth with skills in futuristic technologies.
• Inclusive Growth: Ensures urban-rural and gender-based equity in skilling access.
• Economic Impact: Supports India's manufacturing, IT, and services sectors, driving GDP growth.