Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana: A solution to boost employment in India

According to The Guardian, India is home to the largest youth population in the world, which makes it the youngest country. Over 600 million citizens, half of India’s population, are under 25 years old, and a quarter of the population is under the age of 14. Though this seems like an asset to a growing economy like ours, discontinuation of education can hamper the development of both the individual and the economy. Unfortunately, this is rampant in India.

According to Business Standard, while the primary school dropout rate in 2014–15 was 4.13%, the rate was 4.03% at the upper primary level and 17.06% at the secondary level. Besides, over 6.2% of the Indian youth is unemployed, which isn’t ideal for an economy growing at a rate of 12% for the last 5 years. To counteract the issues of unemployment among the youth, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).

What is Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)?

PMKVY is a skill training scheme that was started to offer industry-related skills to about 10 million young Indians, between 2016 and 2020. Here, the government itself bears the cost of training and thus, as an enrolled candidate, you don’t have to pay anything.

Objectives of PMKVY

The objectives of Kaushal Vikas mission are as follows.

• To impart industry-related skills to the unemployed youth and school/ college dropouts
• To provide financial and placement assistance to trained candidates
  

How does Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) work?

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is responsible for the implementation of the Kaushal Vikas mission. Here, you are offered training programmes affiliated to the central/ state government. In fact, the state government and the Sector Skill Councils closely monitor the skill training so that it meets the standards set by the scheme. Further, training providers are mandated to register themselves on the SMART portal in order to become an approved participants under the scheme.

The Kaushal Vikas Yojana scheme has three components:

• Short Term Training (STT): Basis this module, training is given to unemployed youths or school/ college dropouts in line with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). Moreover, training centres offer PMKVY courses in Entrepreneurship and Financial and Digital Literacy. The duration of training varies according to the role of the job and can range from 150 to 300 hours
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Under this module, assessment and certification is given to applicants with existing skills or a prior learning experience. In addition, Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) may offer bridge courses to fill the gap between your knowledge and skills
• Special Projects: This module has been designed to create a platform that facilitates training for special job roles in government, corporate or industrial bodies. Additionally, it also offers training for specific job roles that are not defined under the Qualification Packs/ National Occupational Standards

All in all, the Kaushal Vikas offers training for various PMKVY courses, including good work ethics, behavioural change for cleanliness, personal grooming, and soft skills. These courses are offered for durations of 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, depending on the subject matter. As mentioned earlier, the government pays fees of around Rs. 8,000 on your behalf towards the course.

On its completion, an assessment agency approved by the SSC evaluates you. If you clear the assessment and possess a valid Aadhaar card, you will get a skill card and be awarded a government certificate that is valid throughout the country. In case you don’t clear the assessment, you can reapply for evaluation as many times as you wish to; however, you will have to bear the evaluation fees. In addition to paying the course fees, the government also offers financial aid and placement assistance via employment fairs.

Eligibility criteria for PMKVY

To be eligible under the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, you have to meet the following eligibility terms:

• You have to be an Indian national with a valid identity proof like a voter’s ID, Aadhaar card or a bank account
• You should be an unemployed youth or should have dropped out of college or school midway through the academic tenure
  

Features & Benefits of PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

Kaushal Vikas Yojana helps not just an individual but the nation as well. Take note of the benefits on offer.

• The scheme offers cost-free, industry-related skills training to unemployed youth and school or college dropouts to make them fit for employment
• The scheme offers valid certification and a Skill India card on the basis of which the candidates can apply for jobs and earn a livelihood
• The scheme offers financial and placement assistance to candidates who have been awarded a certificate
• The scheme also offers training to the youth with prior experience to bridge the gap between their skills and industrial requirements
• The scheme contributes to the country’s economic development by creating a skilled workforce

Documents required for Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) requires several crucial documents for the application. These typically include a self-certified copy of your Aadhaar card, which serves as your identification document. In addition, you'll need to produce proof of address, such as utility bills, bank passbooks, or voter ID card. You would also need to provide two recent passport-sized photographs. In some cases, depending on the specific programme or course, you may also need to provide educational certificates or diplomas.

How to apply for Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Online?

To apply for Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), follow these steps:

1. Visit official website: Go to the PMKVY official website.
2. Find a training centre: Locate a nearby PMKVY affiliated training centre.
3. Choose a course: Select a skill development course that aligns with your interests or the industry demand.
4. Fill application form: Complete the application form with personal and educational details.
5. Submit required documents: Attach necessary documents such as ID proof, address proof, and educational certificates.
6. Attend counselling: Some centres may require counselling sessions or interviews.
7. Enrolment: Once selected, you will be enrolled in the chosen course and notified about the training schedule.

How to apply for Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Offline?

To apply for the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) offline, you can follow these steps:

1. Visit PMKVY training center: Locate a PMKVY training centre near you. You can find the list of authorised training centres on the official PMKVY website or by contacting the Skill Development Ministry.
2. Inquire about courses: Visit the training centre and inquire about the skill development courses available under PMKVY. The centre staff will provide you with information about the courses, duration, eligibility criteria, and training schedule.
3. Choose a course: Select a skill development course that aligns with your interests, career goals, and eligibility criteria. Discuss the course details, curriculum, and job opportunities with the training centre staff.
4. Fill application form: Obtain the PMKVY application form from the training centre. Fill out the application form with accurate personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information.
5. Submit documents: Attach photocopies of supporting documents, such as Aadhaar card, educational certificates, and passport-sized photographs, along with the application form. Ensure that all documents are duly attested, if required.
6. Pay course fees (if applicable): Some PMKVY courses may have a nominal course fee. Pay the course fee, if applicable, as per the instructions provided by the training centre. Payment methods may vary, so inquire about the accepted modes of payment.
7. Verification and enrollment: Submit the completed application form and supporting documents to the training centre authorities. They will verify your application and enrolment eligibility criteria.
8. Receive enrollment confirmation: Upon successful verification, you will receive confirmation of enrolment in the PMKVY course. This may include an enrolment number or acknowledgement receipt.
9. Attend training sessions: Attend the scheduled training sessions at the PMKVY training centre as per the course timetable. Participate actively in skill development activities, practical sessions, and assessments.
10. Completion certificate: Upon successful completion of the PMKVY course, you will receive a skill certification from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) or the Sector Skill Council (SSC) affiliated with the training centre.

By following these steps, you can apply for the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) offline and avail skill development training to enhance your employability and career prospects.

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