PM-DAKSH Skill Scheme Trained 1.87 Lakh Candidates, 96,162 Placed in Jobs

Key facts

• The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) scheme trained over 1.87 lakh candidates from 2020-21 to 2023-24, out of whom 96,162 received placement offers for jobs, per a factsheet issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE).
• PM-DAKSH, a Central Sector scheme launched in 2020-21, provides skill training to SC, OBC, EWS and De-notified Tribe (DNT) communities, including Safai Karamcharis and waste pickers, for socio-economic development through self-employment and wage-employment.
• The scheme is implemented by three corporations of DoSJE: National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
• Against the total funds allotted to PM-DAKSH from 2020-21 to 2023-24 of Rs 276.47 crore, actual expenditure of Rs 309.5 crore has been incurred to date.
• Training institutes must provide employment to at least 70 per cent of trained candidates, failing which the third installment (30 per cent of the training cost) is forfeited.
• From 2024-25 onwards, PM-DAKSH has been merged with the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to avoid duplication, with job roles taken from the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal.
• An evaluation study of the scheme shows over 90 per cent of beneficiaries reported alignment of training with career goals, local labour market needs and intended learning outcomes.