Union cabinet approves continuation of the Skill India Programme

Context:

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) till 2026, with an outlay of ₹8,800 crore to strengthen workforce development in both domestic and global markets.

Relevance:
GS-02 (Government policies and interventions)

Key Highlights of Skill India Programme:

Integration of Three Schemes:

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0): Focuses on short-term training, reskilling and upskilling through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in emerging fields like AI, 5G, and Green Hydrogen.
Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS): Encourages apprenticeship promotion with ₹1,500/month stipend support for trainees with special focus on MSMEs, North-East regions, and aspirational districts.
Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme: Community-based skilling for rural youth, women, and underprivileged groups (ages 15-45) and also promotes self-employment through low-cost, doorstep training with flexible schedules.

Industry & Global Alignment:

Expansion of Skill Hubs in IITs, NITs, KVs, and PM Shri Schools including collaborations with CIPET, NILET, Toolrooms, and other institutions to enhance skilling.

Reforms & Digital Integration:

Adoption of a “Ease of Doing Business” approach to simplify participation.
AI-driven demand assessment for targeted skilling.
Digital delivery and multilingual training materials for accessibility.

What is the Skill India Programme & its Achievements?

It was launched in 2015.
The aim of the programme is to create a future-ready workforce by integrating formal training, apprenticeships, and vocational education.
Its achievements include:
- Over 2.27 crore beneficiaries under PMKVY, NAPS, and JSS.
- Introduction of 400+ courses in new-age technologies.
- Convergence with major government schemes like PM Vishwakarma, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and PM Surya Ghar Yojana.

Conclusion:

The Skill India Programme plays a critical role in economic growth, employment generation, and global workforce competitiveness. With enhanced digitalisation, industry collaborations, and international linkages, the program is set to bridge the skill gap, making India a global hub for skilled professionals.