New Delhi: In a significant development, the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana, a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, has set a target to train 1,69,300 individuals by 2025, with an allocated budget of Rs. 286.42 crore.
During the year 2023-24, 28 Government and 84 private training institutes have been empanelled for the scheme, with more than 95,000 trainee targets distributed among these institutes. This strategic move marks a departure from the previous practice of yearly empanelment, now ensuring a minimum three-year commitment from institutes with satisfactory progress.
As of now, over 55,000 applicants, including more than 37,000 females, have applied on the PM-DAKSH portal for training in 247 different courses across 821 centers. A total of 574 batches are ready for training commencement, scheduled to begin in December 2023.
PM-DAKSH Scheme Overview:
Launched during the fiscal year 2020-21, the PM-DAKSH Yojana aims to enhance the competency levels of target groups, including SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis, and waste pickers, making them employable for both self-employment and wage-employment. The scheme targets Indian nationals aged between 18 to 45 years.
From the fiscal year 2020-21 to 2022-23, 1,07,120 trainees were imparted training, with 77,237 individuals successfully placed in gainful employment, amounting to a total expenditure of Rs. 127.95 crore.
Looking ahead, projections for the years 2023-24 to 2025-26 indicate training for 1,69,300 individuals, with an expected expenditure of Rs. 286.42 crore. The scheme covers 411 districts, including 82 aspirational districts, for implementation.
Under the PM-DAKSH scheme, training includes up-skilling, reskilling, short-term training, entrepreneurship development programs, and long-term training. The cost of training varies based on the duration and is free of cost to trainees. Stipends are provided to candidates, ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,500, depending on the course and category.
This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities and fostering skill development for economic growth.