The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana, launched during the fiscal year 2020-21, stands as a pivotal initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. This Central Sector Scheme aims to enhance the employability of marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis, including waste pickers. The primary goal is to equip them with skills for both self-employment and wage-employment, fostering socio-economic development.
Training Programs and Criteria
Under PM-DAKSH, participants aged between 18 to 45 years undergo various training modules tailored to their needs:
Up-skilling/Reskilling : Courses ranging from 35 to 60 hours with costs between Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000.
Short Term Training : Extensive courses spanning 300 hours over 3 months, costing Rs. 22,000 per candidate.
Entrepreneurship Development Programme : 90-hour courses spread across 15 days, amounting to Rs. 7,000 per participant.
Long Term Training : Comprehensive programs covering 650 hours over 7 months, with a cost of Rs. 45,000 per candidate.
The scheme ensures inclusivity by waiving training fees, aiming to uplift economically disadvantaged groups.
Financial Support and Implementation
PM-DAKSH allocates stipends to support trainees during their educational journey:
– SCs and Safai Karamcharis receive Rs. 1,500 per month, while OBCs, EBCs, and DNTs receive Rs. 1,000 per month for non-residential courses.
– Wage compensations of Rs. 2,500 per candidate for SCs, OBCs, EBCs, and DNTs, and Rs. 500 per candidate for Safai Karamcharis during up-skilling programs further aid in wage loss mitigation.
Impact and Outreach
Since its inception, PM-DAKSH has made significant strides
Training and Placements: Over 1,07,120 trainees have been skilled, with 77,237 successfully placed in gainful employment by 2022-23.
Budget Allocation: A projected expenditure of Rs. 286.42 crore is earmarked for training 1,69,300 additional trainees by 2025.
Empanelled Institutes: A network of 112 training institutes, including 28 government and 84 private entities, facilitates the scheme’s implementation nationwide.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, PM-DAKSH aims to expand its reach and effectiveness:
Continued Support: The scheme plans to sustain its impact by ensuring sustained funding and operational support.
Enhanced Accessibility : Simplified online portals and transparent allocation processes aim to streamline applicant engagement and institute selection.
Sectoral Diversification: Coverage across 32 sectors broadens training opportunities, enhancing employment prospects for beneficiaries.
The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana exemplifies the government’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities through skill development. By fostering economic independence and inclusivity, PM-DAKSH not only uplifts individuals but also contributes to the nation’s socio-economic progress.
