Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has been launched to encourage and promote skill development in the country by providing free short-duration skill training Programmes through PMKVY affiliated and accredited training centres. It is implemented by National Skill Development Corporation functioning under the Ministry of Skill Development.
MAJOR FEATURES OF PMKVY
- Demand driven scheme with bottom-up approach
- District Skill Committee (DSC) acts as the focal point of implementation of PMKVY
- Payment to Training Providers broken into tranches i.e. 30% on commencement of training batches, 40% on successful certification and 30% on placement verification
- Recognition of Prior Learning to issue skill based certificates to individuals with prior learning experience or skills
- Phase-wise introduction of vocational courses in schools
CHALLENGES
Under-Utilisation of Funds: Under PMKVY 3.0, only 70% of the total allocated funds have been utilised in 2021-22. Further, restrictions due to COVID-19 led to a decline in enrolments and certifications resulting in low disbursement.
Placements: The placement statistics is the real barometer for evaluating the scheme. Under PMKVY 2.0, only 25% of the candidates were placed. However, under PMKVY 3.0, it is much lower at 8%.
Dropouts: About 20% of the total enrolled candidates dropped out of the training programme. Reasons for dropouts include (i) medical grounds, (ii) distance from residence to training centres, (iii) accessibility to a job, and (iv) issues specific to females such as pregnancy and marriage.
Challenges faced by Industry: Training courses, curriculum, and practical skills imparted under PMKVY are not aligned with industry requirements. Further, the process for reporting placement details of candidates is cumbersome, highlighting the need to simplify the process.
Implementation challenges such as delay in release of funds from the state treasury to respective departments, non-availability of eligible trainers, and limited placements partners due to less industrialisation in the state.