(FREE) UPSC Current Affairs 2024 PDF

(GIST OF KURUKSHETRA) SKILLING INDIA, EMPOWERING THE WORKFORCE

(DECEMBER-2024)

SKILLING INDIA, EMPOWERING THE WORKFORCE

Introduction

India is on a path to establish itself as the worldwide hub for skills, capitalizing on its youthful demographic as one of the most youthful nations globally. By prioritizing skills that enhance employability, India has achieved significant milestones, with the proportion of employable students in their final and penultimate years climbing from 33.9% in 2014 to 51.3% in 2024.

Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme 2024

(i) Summary

Announced in the 2024-25 Budget, this initiative aims to create 1 crore internship positions over five years within India's leading 500 enterprises.
It provides 12-month internships, emphasizing hands-on experience and aligning academic education with industry demands.
Pilot Phase (October 2024): 1.25 lakh internships aimed for FY 2024-25. Companies selected based on their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.
Functions independently from other skill enhancement programs.

(ii) Eligibility:-

Age: Candidates aged 21-24 years, Indian citizens, not engaged in full-time employment, and not part of full-time education (online/distance learners are eligible).
Academic Qualifications: Open to secondary school graduates, ITI-certified individuals, diploma holders, or undergraduates (BA, B.Sc., B.Com, etc.).

(iii) Advantages and Support (DBT Model)

Monthly Stipend: Interns receive ₹5,000 per month, with ₹500 sourced from CSR funds by companies.
₹4,500 deposited by the government into interns’ Aadhaar-linked accounts.
Incidentals Grant: A one-time payment of ₹6,000 upon induction via DBT.
Training Expenses: Covered by companies through CSR allocations.
Insurance Coverage: Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) premiums funded by the government. Companies may extend additional accident coverage.

Recent Efforts by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

‘Swiggy Skills’ Program: Collaboration with Swiggy to facilitate skills training and employment for 2.4 lakh delivery partners.
STRIVE Initiative: Concentrates on entrepreneurship and mentorship within ITIs and NSTIs.
PM-JANMAN Initiative: Focuses on skill development for vulnerable tribal groups.
Capacity Enhancement: Programs for fair price shop owners under SANKALP: 3,000 individuals trained in entrepreneurship.
Support for Marginalized Communities: Entrepreneurship programs designed for disadvantaged groups, prison inmates, and rural populations.
Rashtriya Udhyamita Vikas Pariyojana: Assists PM Swanidhi beneficiaries with training and guidance.
Empowering Women: Skill development initiatives in aspirational districts. MoUs signed to upskill 20,000 youth in tourism.
Skill India Centre at Rashtrapati Bhavan: Aimed at skilling in-house personnel.

Key Initiatives under the Skill India Mission

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Short-term skill enhancement programs.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK): Ensures standardized quality training nationwide.
Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS): Targets individuals who are non-literate and from rural areas.
Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana: Focuses on nurturing entrepreneurship.
Skill India Digital (SID): AI-powered job-matching solutions for continuous learning.
PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Aids traditional artisans in acquiring modern skills, facilitating integration into global markets.

Conclusion

India’s skill development initiatives mark a significant transformation aimed at becoming a global skill powerhouse. Projects like the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, Indian Institute of Skills, and Skill India Digital demonstrate the nation’s commitment to adapting to Industry 4.0, promoting entrepreneurship, and bolstering employability. By harmonizing government strategies, private collaborations, and international partnerships, India is equipping its workforce to thrive in a competitive global landscape.