Context: India launched a pilot project to increase women’s participation in the workforce by providing skills training to adolescent girls.
- The Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) for this initiative, which will target 3,800 girls in 27 districts across 19 states.
- The program will offer training in non-traditional and high-demand job roles and will emphasize digital skills and soft skills development while providing comprehensive support including counseling, career guidance, and job placement assistance.
- Training under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0) will be conducted at PMKK, JSS centers, and government institutions across 27 aspirational districts and 60+ Training Centers. Female trainees will receive ₹1,000 per month for transport assistance via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Training Focus: Girls will be trained in non-traditional job roles like IT, hospitality, and green jobs.
- The project will facilitate connections to e-commerce platforms and provide sensitization on POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment). Furthermore, it is expected to boost female enrolments in our Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
- Incentives: The program will provide incentives such as boarding and lodging, travel costs, and post-placement stipends.
- Goal: The project aims to empower women, increase female workforce participation, and develop entrepreneurial skills, boosting economic growth.
- Tracking Progress: The MWCD will track the girls’ progress and placement through a district-wise and course-wise mapping system.
- Current Status: 2,200 girls have been enrolled, with 1,346 identified for training at 21 centers across 15 districts.
- The initiative will also include soft skills training, career counseling, and holistic development to ensure the candidates are ready for the workforce.