Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: A Skill Development Initiative for Indian Youth

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: A Skill Development Initiative for Indian Youth

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) implemented by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). The scheme aims to enable a large number of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will help them in securing a better livelihood. The scheme was launched in 2015 and has been revised and extended till 2024.
 

Objectives of PMKVY

The main objectives of PMKVY are:

- To provide skill certification and reward to successful trainees in various skill courses run by affiliated training providers.

- To recognize and standardize the skills of the existing workforce through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

- To create a platform for special projects that require deviation from the existing skill training norms under PMKVY.

- To promote skill development across various sectors and regions of the country.

- To increase the productivity and employability of the Indian workforce.
 

Components of PMKVY

PMKVY has three major components:
 

Short Term Training (STT): This component provides training to school/college dropouts or unemployed youth in various skill courses aligned to the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The training also includes soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy. The duration of the training varies from 150 to 300 hours. Upon successful completion of the training and assessment, the candidates are provided placement assistance by the training providers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): This component assesses and certifies the skills of individuals who have prior learning experience or skills in a particular job role. The assessment is done by Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) such as Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) or any other agencies designated by MSDE/NSDC. The PIAs also offer bridge courses to RPL candidates to address knowledge gaps and provide training on soft skills, job role related safety and hygiene practices. The duration of the RPL process varies from 12 to 80 hours.

Special Projects: This component facilitates training in special areas and/or premises of government bodies, corporates or industry bodies, and training in special job roles not defined under the available Qualification Packs (QPs)/National Occupational Standards (NOSs). The proposing stakeholders can be institutions of central or state government, autonomous body, statutory body or any other equivalent body or corporates who desire to provide training to candidates. The special projects require some deviation from the short-term training guidelines under PMKVY.
 

Benefits of PMKVY

PMKVY offers various benefits to the trainees, such as:
 

Skill certification and reward: The trainees who successfully complete the training and assessment are awarded a certificate and a monetary reward. The reward amount varies from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 15000 depending on the level and duration of the course. The certificate is issued by NSDC and is recognized by all employers across sectors.

Placement assistance: The trainees who complete the STT component are provided placement assistance by the training providers. The placement assistance includes counselling, resume preparation, interview preparation, job fairs, etc. The placement rate under PMKVY is around 50%.

Career progression: The trainees who complete the RPL component are eligible for career advancement opportunities in their respective sectors. They can also opt for higher level courses under PMKVY or other skill development schemes.

Entrepreneurship support: The trainees who complete the STT or RPL component are also encouraged to start their own enterprises or become self-employed. They are provided with entrepreneurship support such as mentoring, incubation, access to credit, etc.
 

How to apply for PMKVY

The candidates who are interested in applying for PMKVY can follow these steps:
 

Visit the official website of PMKVY: 

- Register as a candidate by providing basic details such as name, mobile number, email id, etc.

- Select a skill course of your choice from the list of available courses under STT, RPL or Special Projects.

- Locate a nearby PMKVY Training Centre (TC) or RPL Centre using the geo-tagged map on the website.

- Contact the TC or RPL Centre and enroll for the selected course.

- Attend the training or assessment as per the schedule and guidelines provided by the TC or RPL Centre.

- Receive the certificate and reward upon successful completion of the course.
 

References

 https://www.pmkvyofficial.org/

 https://pmkvy.skillindia.gov.in/home

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pradhan_Mantri_Kaushal_Vikas_Yojana

 https://www.india.gov.in/spotlight/pradhan-mantri-kaushal-vikas-yojana