Cabinet approves revamped Skill India Programme with Rs 8,800 crore outlay

NEW DELHI: The Union cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the continuation and revamp of the ‘Skill India Programme’ till 2026 with an outlay of Rs 8,800 crore.

The central sector scheme now comprises the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme. The objective of these government initiatives is to provide skill development , on-the-job training, and community-based learning to all communities of both rural and urban areas.

Over 2.27 crore beneficiaries have taken the benefits of the flagship schemes running under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

PMKVY 4.0

This scheme provides skill development through Short-Term Training (STT) including Special Projects (SP) and reskilling and upskilling through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The scheme targets people between 15-59 years of age. In a major overhaul, OJT has been integrated within the short-term courses to expose beneficiaries to industry experience. The government has introduced more than 400 new courses on artificial intelligence (AI), 5G technology, cybersecurity, green hydrogen, drone technology, to keep up with the evolving industry demands.

The programme has also introduced micro-credential and National Occupational Standards (NoS)-based courses ranging from 7.5 to 30 hours, in an effort to enhance employability.

Also read Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights skills mismatch; over 50% graduates, 40% postgraduates underemployed

Moreover, skill hubs have been set up at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), PM Shri Schools, and more to utilise the existing infrastructure and provide quality training.

Over 600 trainee and trainer handbooks have been translated into eight regional languages to support beneficiaries from all regions.

PM-NAPS

Under the scheme, the PM Modi government provides up to Rs 1,500 per month per apprentice, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during the training period to individuals aged 14 to 35 years. NAPS encourages apprenticeship opportunities in emerging fields such as AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

JSS scheme

Meant for skilling women, rural youth, and economically disadvantaged groups, this scheme caters to the age group of 15-45 years of age. Beyond skill development, JSS programme plays a role in creating awareness on health, hygiene, financial literacy, gender equality, and education within communities.

SIP aligns with national frameworks

All certifications under the programme are mapped to the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and integrated with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), to ensure formal recognition of skills and seamless transition to employment and higher education .

“With the continuation of the Skill India Programme, the government seeks to reinforce its commitment to lifelong learning, recognizing the importance of continuous upskilling and reskilling in today’s rapidly changing employment landscape. The initiative will directly contribute to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, ensuring that workforce development policies remain aligned with economic and industrial trends,” the government said in an official statement.