Insurance cover and Digital Locker facilities for PMKVY Certified Candidates

As a step towards incentivising youth to enrol in skill development programs and enhance its aspirational value, Skill India has introduced two new features that could benefit the candidates certified under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 2016-20). Following are the two benefits:

1. Kaushal Bima – a Personal Accident Insurance Cover for certified candidates

2. Certificate storage and download facility via DigiLocker

PMKVY, the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, is implemented by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). NSDC has collaborated with The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. (NIA) to provide ‘Kaushal Bima’ insurance facility to the certified candidates under the scheme. As per the current regulations of IRDA, 3-year Personal Accidental Insurance covering death and permanent disability for a sum insured of INR 2 lacs will be provided through the scheme.

The New India Assurance Company Ltd. has created a master policy for all the candidates who will receive the insurance benefit under PMKVY scheme with a validity of 3-years from the date of certification. The insurance premium will be borne by NSDC. A special toll-free helpline will also be extended by NIA to address insurer’s grievances.

Further, with an aim at transforming India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy, the certified candidates will be provided facility to access their Skill Certificate through DigiLocker. The same can be downloaded using a mobile app or the web portal. DigiLocker is a key initiative under the Digital India program.

Digilocker is a platform for issuance and verification of documents & certificates in a digital way, thus eliminating the use of physical documents. To simplify the entire process, an online interface has been developed and operationalized between NIA and Skill Development Management System (SDMS) managed by NSDC, wherein the master policy number is being generated online and printed on the Skill Certificate. Further, the training centers can download the Skill Cum Insurance Certificate through an online platform, i.e. SDMS and the candidates can access the Skill Certificate through https://digilocker.gov.in/

Commenting on the benefits, Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Joint Secretary and CVO, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said, ““PMKVY (2016-2020) aims to provide quality training to build skilled and job-ready workforce catering to the evolving demands of the industry. PMKVY offers an array of features to benefit the recipient, making it an effective and a friendly skill development scheme. This is our aim to empower and give access to our candidates with new age digital solutions.”

Mr. Manish Kumar, MD & CEO, National Skill Development Corporation said, “NSDC is committed to empower youth with employable skills and help them earn a better livelihood. It is our endeavor to provide a secured future to all the candidates trained under PMKVY. This would enhance their productivity and help them contribute further to the building of the nation.”

Various Benefits Under PMKVY

The existing benefits of the scheme ensure that skilling is fostered for inclusive growth and works in conjunction with various other government initiatives and flagship schemes like Make in India, Digital India and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Loans. PMKVY lays critical importance on ensuring that trained candidates are placed through linkages with industry and employers. It entitles a pay-out of Rs.500/- to certified candidate under various programs – Short Term training, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Special Project. A reward-based training, PMKVY extends Skill India Certification, Boarding & Lodging, Conveyance Support, Post Placement support among key benefits. The training also lays emphasis on digital and numerical literacy and soft skills.