Empowering Girls through Vocational Training: NAVYA Initiative launched in Sonbhadra

In a significant move to empower adolescent girls and promote inclusive development, the Government of India launched ‘Navya’, a vocational training initiative for girls aged 16 to 18, in Sonbhadra, one of the aspirational districts in Uttar Pradesh. The initiative aims to build a future where girls become self-reliant, confident, and active participants, under the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

The launch event was graced by the presence of, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Smt. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development. Both leaders reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment through skill development, particularly in under-served and tribal regions.

About NAVYA: A joint government initiative

Navya is a collaborative initiative by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).

Key features:

• Targets adolescent girls aged 16–18
  
• Launched in Sonbhadra, with a pilot in 9 aspirational districts across 9 states
  
• Will scale up to 27 aspirational districts across 19 states
  
• Implementation through PMKVY 4.0, offering skill training in non-traditional and emerging job roles
  

Shri Jayant Chaudhary stated, “Navya has been launched to provide adolescent girls with training across multiple domains to make them self-reliant. This initiative will also pave the way for them to establish their own enterprises and small businesses.”

Programs offered under the NAVYA initiative

The program offers short-term vocational training designed to align with modern employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Girls will be trained in diverse roles such as:

• Graphic Designer
• Smartphone Technician
• Drone Assembly Expert
• CCTV Installation Technician
• Professional Makeup Artist
  

This diversity ensures girls are not restricted to conventional roles and can explore careers in high-demand sectors.

Building holistic skills through supplementary training module

In addition to core vocational training, NAVYA includes a 7-hour supplementary training module focused on life and workplace readiness. The module covers:

1. Interpersonal skills: Personal hygiene, presentation, conflict resolution
2. Communication skills: Active listening, verbal expression, confidence-building
3. Workplace safety: Awareness of POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) laws
4. Financial literacy: Basics of budgeting, saving, and managing earnings

Smt. Savitri Thakur stated, “Navya will be a milestone in making adolescent girls self-reliant. Our shared commitment is to equip girls with skills that enable them to become independent and empowered citizens.”

Implementation and local engagement

To ensure seamless implementation, District Skill Committees are being strengthened to connect participants with:

• Local training institutions
• Job fairs
• Entrepreneurship support programs

Navya is more than a skilling program, it’s a movement to empower and uplift India’s daughters through awareness, education, and community involvement.

Also read: MSDE to Establish Two New Skill Centres at NSTIs in Hyderabad and Chennai

Highlights from the launch event

• The event witnessed participation from local leaders, public representatives, and senior government officials.
• Mr. Chhotelal Singh Khirwar (MP), Mr. Bhupesh Chaubey (MLA), and Mr. Ram Shakal (former MP) emphasized the importance of skill development for tribal and marginalized communities.
• Senior officials including Mrs. Sonal Mishra (Additional Secretary, MSDE) and Mr. Pankaj Srivastava (Statistical Advisor, MWCD) provided strategic inputs.
• Certificates awarded to participants trained under PMKVY and PM Vishwakarma schemes.

‘Navya’ stands as a symbol of India’s commitment to empowering young women through skill-based education and inclusive growth. The initiative focuses on building self-reliance, identity, and dignity, aiming to transform the lives of thousands of girls, beginning in Sonbhadra and expanding across the country.