Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a flagship skill development program launched by the Government of India in 2015. The scheme is a part of the Skill India Mission, which aims to empower Indian youth by providing them with skill training to enhance their employability and bridge the existing skill gap in various sectors.
The primary objective of PMKVY is to provide skill development opportunities to the country’s youth, equipping them with industry-relevant skills that meet the demands of the job market. The program focuses on both new entrants to the workforce and existing workers seeking upskilling or recognition of their prior learning.
According to the World Bank, 67% of India’s population was of working age in 2018, and 47% of that population was under 25 according to the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India’s Sample Registration System 2018. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) established the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) in 2015 to upskill and train the skilled workforce of the nation in order to capitalize on this demographic and strengthen the economy of the nation.
In accordance with this program, the government will evaluate and certify individuals or candidates who have no prior learning experience or skills, as well as provide training in accordance with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and standards set by the private sector. The government will also cover the costs of training, lodging, and boarding.
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PRADHAN MANTRI KAUSHAL VIKAS YOJANA SCHEME IS REQUIRED
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates that India had 4,717 lakh workers in 2020, with 41.19% of them employed in the agricultural sector, followed by the service sector (32.33%) and the industry sector (26.18%). India’s labor force participation rate (as a percentage of the total population) in 2019 was 26.67% for people aged 15 to 24 and 48.14% for those over the age of 15. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (LFS) conducted by the ILO in 2019, the unemployment rate in India for those aged 20 to 24 was 21.1%, and for those aged 25 to 29, it was 9.8%.
India had 438 lakh unemployed persons as of March 2021 who were available for employment. As many as 20 high-growth industries, including logistics, healthcare, construction, hotels, and cars, need training facilities in India, according to a recent report by the National Sample Report Office (NSSO). By 2030, India is predicted to have a 29 million-person skilled labor deficit. Corporates and research organizations have noted that, of the 15 million young people who enter the workforce each year, 65-75% are not job ready or are unemployable. If this shortage persists along its current course, the majority of industries will experience problems with a skill gap of between 75 and 80%.
The government hopes to increase/improve the effectiveness of a skilled workforce through the PMKVY and so contribute to India’s overall development. Because of the epidemic, there is currently a significant gap between local skills and industrial needs that is widening quickly. Employers find it challenging to find workers with the necessary skills, while many displaced workers with insufficient skills work hard to reclaim their livelihoods. Additionally, the current skilling ecosystem requires a new game plan because functional roles in various industries are progressively being redefined as “work from home” becomes the new norm, leading to significant shifts in the ecosystem.
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KEY OBJECTIVES
1. Skill Training: The scheme offers skill training programs across different sectors, enabling individuals to acquire specific job roles and industry-relevant skills. The training programs are designed to align with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and industry standards, ensuring quality and relevance.
2. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): PMKVY recognizes the value of skills acquired through informal or non-formal learning and provides a platform for individuals to have their skills formally assessed and certified. RPL enables individuals to gain recognition for their existing competencies, enhancing their employability and facilitating career progression.
3. Quality Assurance: PMKVY emphasizes the importance of high-quality training programs. It establishes a rigorous accreditation process for training providers, ensuring that they meet the necessary standards for delivering quality skill training.
4. Industry Partnership: The scheme encourages active collaboration between training providers and industries to bridge the gap between skills demanded by the industry and the skills possessed by the workforce. Industry participation helps align the training programs with current industry requirements, increasing the chances of successful placement and employment opportunities for trained individuals.
5. Placement Assistance: PMKVY strives to provide placement support to certified candidates through its industry partnerships. The scheme aims to connect skilled individuals with potential employers, facilitating their entry into the workforce and promoting gainful employment.
PMKVY operates through a network of authorized training centers, including vocational institutes, industries, and government institutions, which deliver skill training programs across the country. The scheme adopts a demand-driven approach, focusing on the needs of specific sectors and geographical regions to maximize the impact of skill development efforts.
Overall, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana plays a pivotal role in transforming India’s workforce by providing skill training, recognition of prior learning, and employment opportunities, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation.
