Union Cabinet approves Rs. 8,800 Crore Outlay for Skill India Programme till 2026

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) till 2026 with a total outlay of Rs. 8,800 crore from 2022-23 to 2025-26. This initiative aims to strengthen workforce development and make skilling the backbone of India’s economic growth by integrating demand-driven, technology-enabled, and industry-aligned training across the country.

Key highlights of the Skill India Programme

The Skill India Programme consolidates three major schemes: PMKVY 4.0, PM-NAPS, and JSS, under a unified framework to enhance structured skill development, on-the-job training, and community-based learning. It ensures accessibility for both urban and rural populations, including marginalized communities, and has reached over 2.27 crore beneficiaries under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE’s) flagship schemes to date.

To achieve its objectives, the programme comprises the following key schemes:

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)

• PMKVY 4.0 offers NSQF-aligned training through Short-Term Training (STT), Special Projects (SP), and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to ensure industry-oriented and flexible skilling.
• The scheme integrates On-the-Job Training (OJT), introduces over 400 new courses in emerging fields like AI, 5G, and Cybersecurity, and implements blended learning models with micro-credential courses.
• Skill hubs are established in IITs, NITs, JNVs, EMRS, and PM Shri Schools, with regional language support through over 600 translated handbooks.
• It also develops a national pool of 1 lakh assessors and trainers and strengthens industry partnerships to enable Recruit-Train-Deploy (RTD) models.
• The scheme promotes international mobility through Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs), joint certifications, and skill gap studies.
• Inter-ministerial collaborations link PMKVY 4.0 with PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar, the National Green Hydrogen Mission, and NAL JAL Mitra.
• Additionally, Ease of Doing Business reforms improve demand assessment strategies and reduce compliance burdens.

PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)

• PM-NAPS facilitates the transition from education to work by supporting apprenticeship training.
• It provides Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of 25% stipend support (up to Rs. 1,500/month per apprentice) from the Government.
• Open to individuals aged 14-35 years, the scheme prioritizes industry-aligned skilling in AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and Industry 4.0.
• It also encourages MSME participation, especially in aspirational districts and the North-East Region.

Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme

• The JSS Scheme focuses on community-centric skilling for rural youth, women, and disadvantaged groups, catering to the 15-45 years age group.
• It offers low-cost, doorstep training with flexible schedules, emphasizing self-employment and wage-based livelihoods.
• Additionally, it includes social empowerment initiatives covering health, hygiene, financial literacy, gender equality, and education.
• It is linked with PM JANMAN and ULLAS for broader impact.

Integrating Skill India Programme with NSQF, DigiLocker, and NCrF

Certifications under the Skill India Programme are mapped to the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and linked with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF) for seamless skill recognition and education progression.

By reinforcing lifelong learning through continuous upskilling and reskilling, the Skill India Programme contributes to Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data and aligns workforce policies with industry needs. It aims to position India as a global leader in skill-based employment by integrating emerging technologies and fostering industry partnerships.

The Skill India Programme remains a crucial driver of economic empowerment, employment generation, and productivity enhancement. MSDE is committed to expanding vocational education, increasing apprenticeship opportunities, and fostering lifelong learning to build a future-ready, globally competitive workforce.