Revamping Skill India: A Comprehensive Overview

Overview of the Skill India Programme

The Union Cabinet has officially approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) with a significant funding allocation of ₹8,800 crore. This initiative aims to enhance skill development across various sectors, aligning with the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

Key Features of the Programme

• Integration of Schemes:
  • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0): This scheme focuses on comprehensive skill development and has been allocated ₹6,000 crore.
  • Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS): Aimed at enhancing apprenticeship opportunities, this scheme encourages practical training.
  • Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS): This initiative provides skill development training specifically for the non-formal sector, catering to diverse needs.
• Focus Areas:
  • Introduction of over 400 new courses concentrating on advanced domains such as AI, 5G technology, and cybersecurity.
  • Courses are tailored to meet current industry demands, ensuring the workforce is equipped with skills relevant to emerging technologies.
• Objective:
  • The primary goal is to equip the Indian workforce with the necessary skills to keep pace with evolving industries.
  • This restructuring aims to strengthen India’s global competitiveness in various sectors.

Conclusion

The restructured Skill India Programme represents a significant investment in the country’s human capital. With its focus on modern skills and apprenticeship opportunities, it positions India to meet future employment challenges and bolster its economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the Skill India Programme?
Answer: The Skill India Programme is a government initiative aimed at enhancing skill development across various sectors in India, preparing the workforce for evolving job markets.

Q2. How much funding has been allocated to the Skill India Programme in 2023?
Answer: In 2023, the Union Cabinet allocated ₹8,800 crore for the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme to enhance skill development and apprenticeship opportunities.

Q3. What are the key features of the Skill India Programme?
Answer: The programme features the integration of various schemes like PMKVY and PM-NAPS, focuses on advanced courses, and aims to equip the workforce with industry-relevant skills.

Q4. What types of new courses are being introduced under the Skill India Programme?
Answer: Over 400 new courses in areas such as AI, 5G technology, and cybersecurity are being introduced to meet industry demands and support technological advancements.

Q5. What is the main objective of the Skill India Programme?
Answer: The main objective is to equip the workforce with the skills needed for evolving industries and to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global market.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary focus of the Skill India Programme?
A) Infrastructure development
B) Skill development and training
C) Agricultural expansion
D) Financial inclusion
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How much budget has been allocated for PMKVY 4.0?
A) ₹4,000 crore
B) ₹6,000 crore
C) ₹8,800 crore
D) ₹10,000 crore
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Which scheme focuses on enhancing apprenticeship opportunities?
A) PMKVY
B) JSS
C) PM-NAPS
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What is one of the new focus areas under the Skill India Programme?
A) Traditional crafts
B) AI and cybersecurity
C) Agricultural skills
D) Retail management
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is the objective of the Skill India Programme?
A) To improve infrastructure
B) To enhance skill development
C) To promote digital literacy
D) To support traditional arts
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: Which scheme is specifically aimed at the non-formal sector?
A) PMKVY
B) JSS
C) PM-NAPS
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B