Cabinet Approval:
- The Union Cabinet has approved the restructuring of skill development initiatives with a combined scheme called the Skill India Programme.
- The total outlay for this programme is ₹8,800 crore, covering a three-year period until 2025-26.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance)
Integration of Existing Schemes:
- Three existing schemes will now be integrated into the Skill India Programme:
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0): Focuses on structured skill development.
- Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS): Provides on-the-job training opportunities.
- Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme: Emphasizes community-based learning.
Objective:
- The main goal is to ensure high-quality vocational education for a wide range of individuals, particularly targeting urban and rural populations and marginalized communities.
- The new scheme aims to provide structured skill development, on-the-job training, and community-based learning.
- The focus is on increasing accessibility and improving the quality of skills training across diverse sections of society.
Target Beneficiaries:
- 2.27 crore beneficiaries have already gained from the three flagship schemes of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
- The programme will be aimed at both urban and rural areas, addressing the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
Data Alignment and Policy Integration:
- The programme will contribute directly to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, which helps track and align workforce development policies with the latest economic and industrial trends.
Key Goals:
- The Skill India Programme aims to bridge the skill gap in India by offering access to relevant training opportunities.
- It is designed to improve employment prospects by providing individuals with skills that are in demand across industries.
Significance:
- This restructuring and integration could enhance efficiency, coordination, and reach by combining three schemes with complementary objectives under a unified umbrella.
- It is expected to strengthen the Skilling ecosystem and contribute towards the goal of making India a global skill hub.
