PMKVY 4.0: Empowering India’s Youth through Skill Development and Inclusive Training

Relevance: GS II Government Policies 

In order to close the skill gap in India and increase the employability of young people, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) introduced the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) in 2015. The program, which is currently in its fourth phase (PMKVY 4.0) under the Skill India Mission, is essential to creating a workforce prepared for the future because it incorporates cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, cybersecurity, and green hydrogen into training modules. 

About PMKVY

Currently, PMKVY is in its fourth phase, PMKVY 4.0, and it is a crucial part of the Central Sector Scheme of Skill India Program, which also includes the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme, which provides vocational skills to school dropouts, neo-literates, and non-literates, and the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), which provides financial support for apprentice stipends.

• Under PMKVY, there are three different forms of training: o Short-Term Training (STT), which includes courses that match with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and o On-the-job training.
• Industry-recognized certification of pre-existing abilities is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• Special Projects: Tailored skill development for underrepresented populations, challenging regions, and future or specialized work roles.

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PMKVY’s main accomplishments include:

Expanding Access to Skill Training: Since 2015, more than 1.63 crore youngsters have received training. 

• 70% of women under the PANKH initiative, the Bru-tribe (Tripura), and prisoners (Assam and Manipur).
• SCs, STs, and OBCS are significantly included, and 45% of women participate.

Including cutting-edge technologies like Al, IoT, robotics, 5G technology, cybersecurity, drones, green hydrogen, etc. will create a workforce that is prepared for the future. Promotion of Traditional Crafts and upskilling initiatives for J&K and Nagaland weavers and artisans.

Mains:

Question: Despite notable progress, skill mismatch remains a major hurdle in India. Analyze how PMKVY addresses the issue of skill mismatch, especially in the context of emerging technologies and traditional vocations.

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MCQs

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Question: With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements (UPSC IAS 2018)

1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c

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