The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana, launched in the fiscal year 2020-21, is a significant initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment aimed at enhancing the employability and economic independence of marginalized communities across India. This Central Sector Scheme focuses on providing skill development opportunities to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis, including waste pickers. By equipping these groups with the necessary skills for self-employment and wage-employment, PM-DAKSH fosters socio-economic development and empowerment.
Training programs tailored for success
Under PM-DAKSH, a variety of training programs are offered to individuals aged between 18 to 45 years, tailored to meet their specific needs and aspirations:
1. Up-skilling/Reskilling: Short courses ranging from 35 to 60 hours are designed to enhance existing skills or provide new skills at a cost between ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 per participant.
2. Short Term Training: Extensive courses that span 300 hours over three months, costing ₹22,000 per candidate, aim to provide in-depth training for specific job roles.
3. Entrepreneurship Development Programme: Aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills, these 90-hour courses are spread over 15 days and cost ₹7,000 per participant.
4. Long Term Training: Comprehensive programs covering 650 hours over seven months, with a cost of ₹45,000 per candidate, are designed for those seeking extensive training in specialized fields.
The scheme ensures that no training fees are charged, making these opportunities accessible to economically disadvantaged groups.
Financial Support to Ensure Participation:
To support trainees during their educational journey, PM-DAKSH provides stipends:
– For Non-Residential Courses: SCs and Safai Karamcharis receive ₹1,500 per month, while OBCs, EBCs, and DNTs receive ₹1,000 per month.
– Wage Compensation: To mitigate wage loss during up-skilling programs, ₹2,500 is provided per candidate for SCs, OBCs, EBCs, and DNTs, and ₹500 per candidate for Safai Karamcharis.
Impact and Reach of PM-DAKSH:
Since its inception, the PM-DAKSH Yojana has made significant strides in empowering marginalized communities:
– Training and Placements: By 2022-23, over 1,07,120 individuals had been trained, with 77,237 successfully placed in gainful employment, demonstrating the scheme’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between skill development and employment.
– Budget Allocation: The scheme has earmarked a projected expenditure of ₹286.42 crore for training an additional 1,69,300 trainees by 2025, indicating the government’s commitment to expanding the program’s reach and impact.
– Empanelled Institutes: A network of 112 training institutes, including 28 government and 84 private entities, facilitates the scheme’s implementation across the country, ensuring that the training programs are accessible to those in need.
Future Directions: Expanding Reach and Impact:
– Continued Support: The scheme plans to maintain its momentum by ensuring sustained funding and operational support, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from these opportunities.
– Enhanced Accessibility: Simplified online portals and transparent allocation processes will streamline applicant engagement and institute selection, making it easier for individuals to access training.
– Sectoral Diversification: Expanding coverage across 32 sectors will broaden the range of training opportunities available, enhancing the employment prospects for beneficiaries in diverse industries.
The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana exemplifies the government’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities through targeted skill development initiatives.
