The government has made significant strides in prioritizing job creation and skill training, aiming for a fully skilled workforce and meaningful employment across the nation. This objective is being bolstered by increased budget allocations for skill development and various livelihood programs.
A noteworthy allocation of ₹3,000 crore has been designated in the budget for the new ITI upgradation program. This initiative focuses on modernizing ITIs to provide enhanced vocational training for youth, thereby cultivating a skilled workforce.
The government is establishing five National Centres of Excellence aimed at enhancing global expertise through strategic partnerships. These centers are designed to equip the youth with essential skills for manufacturing as part of the “Make for India, Make for the World” initiative.
The budget for centrally sponsored skill development schemes has seen a substantial rise, with revenue expenditure increasing to ₹3,050 crore for FY26, up from ₹669 crore in revised estimates for FY25. The overall budget for the skill development ministry has also escalated from ₹3,241 crore in FY25 to ₹6,017 crore in FY26.
The government is launching a multi-sectoral rural prosperity and resilience program in collaboration with state governments. This program focuses on employment opportunities in agriculture, skilling, investment, technology, and innovation to foster development in rural regions.
Introduced in 2024, the PMIS aims to provide internship opportunities for 10 million youth in the top 500 companies over five years. As of October 2024, a pilot project under this scheme has successfully provided 125,000 internships.
For labor-intensive sectors like leather, the Footwear, Leather, and Accessories Development Programme has been allocated ₹350 crore for FY26, reflecting an increase from ₹316 crore in FY25.
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has seen its allocation rise to ₹19,000 crore in FY26, up from ₹15,047 crore in FY25. This initiative aims to create sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
Key industries targeted under these skill development initiatives include agriculture, manufacturing, leather, and technology sectors. Special attention is given to industries that significantly contribute to exports and domestic manufacturing.
Internship programs have experienced a dramatic increase, with ₹10,831 crore allocated in FY26 compared to ₹380 crore in FY25. These initiatives aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, providing young professionals with valuable experience.
Q1. What are the main goals of the government in employment and skill development?
Answer: The government aims for 100% skilled labor and meaningful employment through increased budget allocations for skill training and various livelihood programs.
Q2. What is the significance of the ITI upgradation program?
Answer: The ₹3,000 crore allocation for the ITI upgradation program focuses on modernizing these institutes to enhance vocational training and create a skilled workforce.
Q3. How does the PMIS benefit the youth?
Answer: The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme provides internship opportunities to 10 million youth in top companies, helping bridge the gap between education and employment.
Q4. What is the focus of the multi-sectoral rural prosperity program?
Answer: This program aims to improve employment opportunities in rural areas through investment in agriculture, skill development, technology, and innovation.
Q5. How are budget allocations changing for skill development initiatives?
Answer: The budget for the skill development ministry rose significantly, from ₹3,241 crore in FY25 to ₹6,017 crore in FY26, showcasing increased commitment to improving skill training.
Question 1: What is the key focus of the new ITI upgradation program?
A) Reducing employment rates
B) Modernizing vocational training
C) Increasing unemployment
D) Closing ITIs
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How much has been allocated for the PMIS in FY26?
A) ₹125 crore
B) ₹10,831 crore
C) ₹3,050 crore
D) ₹19,000 crore
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the aim of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM?
A) To create urban jobs
B) To enhance rural livelihoods
C) To reduce skill training
D) To promote foreign employment
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which sector received budget support of ₹350 crore in FY26?
A) Agriculture
B) Technology
C) Footwear and Leather
D) Manufacturing
Correct Answer: C
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