Skill development and employment generation are critical to India's economic growth and workforce empowerment. The Government of India has launched several schemes and programs to enhance skills, promote self-employment, and create job opportunities for the youth. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between industry requirements and workforce capabilities by providing training, financial support, and employment opportunities.

In this article, we will explore ten major skill development and employment schemes introduced by the Indian government.

1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

Objective:

PMKVY is the flagship skill development program of the Government of India that provides free training to youth in various industry-relevant skills, helping them secure better employment opportunities.

Key Features:

  • Short-term training programs in more than 40 industry sectors.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for individuals who already have informal skills.
  • Monetary incentives and certification after successful training completion.
  • Placement assistance and entrepreneurship support.

Eligibility:

  • Individuals above 14 years of age.
  • School and college dropouts, unemployed youth, and underprivileged individuals.

Impact:

  • Since its launch in 2015, over 1.37 crore people have been trained under PMKVY.
  • Helps in reducing unemployment and underemployment among youth.

2. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

Objective:

NAPS encourages employers to engage apprentices by providing financial incentives to cover training costs.

Key Features:

  • 25% of the stipend (up to ₹1,500 per apprentice per month) is reimbursed by the government.
  • Cost-sharing of up to ₹7,500 per apprentice for basic training.
  • Apprenticeship training in 300+ trades across various sectors.
  • Provides practical experience to students along with industry exposure.

Eligibility:

  • Candidates aged 14 years and above.
  • ITI students, graduates, diploma holders, and vocational trainees.

Impact:

  • More than 10 lakh apprentices have been trained.
  • Boosts youth employability by aligning skills with industry needs.

3. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)

Objective:

This scheme focuses on providing skill training and employment opportunities to rural youth from economically weaker sections.

Key Features:

  • Targets poor rural youth aged 15-35 years.
  • Free training in more than 250 trades like retail, construction, hospitality, and healthcare.
  • Minimum 70% placement guarantee after training.
  • International placements for skilled candidates.

Eligibility:

  • Candidates from rural households registered under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
  • School/college dropouts and unemployed youth.

Impact:

  • More than 11 lakh youth have been trained and placed in jobs.
  • Supports rural entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

4. Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY)

Objective:

PMRPY aims to encourage employers to create new jobs by providing incentives for hiring unemployed youth.

Key Features:

  • Government pays the employer’s share of EPF (12%) for newly hired employees.
  • Benefits businesses hiring workers earning less than ₹15,000 per month.
  • Focuses on formalizing employment by increasing EPF registrations.
  • Enhances job security by promoting permanent employment.

Eligibility:

  • Workers earning less than ₹15,000 per month.
  • Employers registered with EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organization).

Impact:

  • 1.21 crore jobs have been created under PMRPY.
  • Encourages formal job creation in private companies.

5. Startup India Scheme

Objective:

The Startup India initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship and support innovative startups through funding, tax benefits, and mentorship.

Key Features:

  • Tax exemption for three years for eligible startups.
  • Easy business registration via a simple online process.
  • ₹10,000 crore fund to provide funding and venture capital.
  • Incubation and mentorship support for startups.

Eligibility:

  • Startups registered in India not older than 10 years.
  • Must be working on innovation or technology-driven products.

Impact:

  • 1.25 lakh+ startups have been recognized.
  • Boosts job creation and entrepreneurship.

6. National Career Service (NCS)

Objective:

NCS is an online job portal that connects job seekers with employers, offering career counseling and skill development resources.

Key Features:

  • Online job listings from private and government sectors.
  • Skill training and career counseling for youth.
  • Special focus on women, differently-abled individuals, and SC/ST candidates.
  • Integration with PMKVY and Skill India programs.

Eligibility:

  • Open to all Indian citizens seeking employment or career guidance.

Impact:

  • More than 95 lakh job seekers have been registered.
  • Helps in matching skills with available jobs.

7. MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)

Objective:

MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households, improving their financial stability.

Key Features:

  • Guaranteed employment for rural workers.
  • Jobs related to agriculture, irrigation, and rural infrastructure.
  • Women participation of at least 33%.
  • Wages paid directly to bank accounts for transparency.

Eligibility:

  • Any adult member of a rural household willing to do unskilled manual labor.

Impact:

  • Over 5 crore households benefit annually.
  • Reduces seasonal unemployment in rural India.

8. Skill India Mission

Objective:

Skill India is an umbrella initiative to provide industry-relevant skill training to the workforce.

Key Features:

  • Targets 400 million people across various sectors.
  • Includes PMKVY, NAPS, and other skill training schemes.
  • Provides certification and job placement assistance.

Impact:

  • Creates a skilled workforce for India’s growing economy.

9. Stand-Up India Scheme

Objective:

Promotes entrepreneurship among women, SC/ST candidates, offering loans for new businesses.

Key Features:

  • Loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹1 crore for business startups.
  • Encourages small business ownership.

Impact:

  • Empowers women and marginalized communities.

10. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY)

Objective:

Boosts employment during COVID-19 recovery by providing EPF support to employers.

Key Features:

  • Government pays 24% of EPF contributions for eligible workers.
  • Supports businesses hiring new employees.

Impact:

  • Formal employment creation in India post-COVID.

Conclusion

These ten government schemes play a crucial role in skilling India’s workforce and creating employment opportunities. Whether through training programs, apprenticeships, financial aid, or startup support, these initiatives empower youth and drive economic growth.

For job seekers and entrepreneurs, leveraging these schemes can open doors to better employment and business success! 🚀

Read about Cluster Development Programme (CDP) - here

Got more questions about Indian government processes and schemes? Ask jaankaarbharat.com