Cabinet nod to continuation, restructuring of 'Skill India Programme' with ₹8,800 cr outlay

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the continuation and restructuring of the Central Sector Scheme ‘Skill India Programme (SIP)’ till 2026, with an outlay of ₹8,800 crore from 2022-23 to 2025-26. The scheme aims to build a skilled, future-ready workforce by integrating demand-driven, technology-enabled, and industry-aligned training nationwide.

A Cabinet statement says 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 are combined under the "Skill India Programme.”

These three schemes, with over 2.27 crore beneficiaries, provide structured skill development, on-the-job training, and community-based learning to urban and rural populations.

All certifications under the Skill India Program are mapped to NSQF and integrated with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF). The initiative contributes to Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, ensuring workforce policies align with economic trends.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0:

PMKVY 4.0 provides National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned skill development training through Short-Term Training (STT), including Special Projects (SP) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), targeting individuals aged 15-59. A key shift is integrating On-the-Job Training (OJT) within short-term programs. The statement says 400+ new courses on AI, 5G, Cybersecurity, Green Hydrogen, and Drone Technology have been introduced.

A national pool of one lakh assessors and trainers is being developed. Industry partnerships ensure access to jobs through Recruit Train Deploy (RTD) training. The scheme emphasises international mobility with globally recognised skills.

PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS):

PM-NAPS supports the transition from education to work. 25% of the stipend, up to ₹1,500 per month per apprentice, will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It targets individuals aged 14 to 35 years.

NAPS encourages apprenticeships in manufacturing and emerging fields such as AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and Industry 4.0.

Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme:

JSS is a community-centric initiative providing vocational training, particularly for women, rural youth, and disadvantaged groups, targeting individuals aged 15-45. It promotes health, hygiene, financial literacy, and education within communities. JSS is linked to key initiatives like PM JANMAN and ULLAS.