The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment shares the success and continued expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana, a Central Sector Scheme launched in the fiscal year 2020-21. The scheme is designed to elevate the competency levels of marginalized groups, including SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis, and waste pickers, with the aim of making them employable in both self-employment and wage-employment for socio-economic development.
In the fiscal year 2020-21, the scheme trained 32,097 individuals, with 24,652 successfully placed in employment. The total expenditure on these training initiatives amounted to Rs. 44.79 crore. In the subsequent year, 2021-22, the scheme expanded its impact, training 42,002 individuals, with 31,033 successfully placed, and a total expenditure of Rs. 68.22 crore. In 2022-23, 33,021 individuals were trained, with 21,552 successfully placed, utilizing an amount of Rs. 14.94 crore. From FY 2020-21 to 2022-23, a total of 1,07,120 individuals were trained, and 77,237 trainees secured gainful employment, with a cumulative expenditure of Rs. 127.95 crore.
The upcoming phase, spanning from 2023-24 to 2025-26, envisions the training of 1,69,300 individuals, with an allocation of Rs. 286.42 crore for these initiatives, signaling a commitment to sustained skill development and economic empowerment.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, 28 Government and 84 private training institutes have been empaneled for the scheme’s implementation. Over 95,000 trainee targets have been distributed among these institutes, reflecting a substantial expansion in reach and accessibility. The practice of empaneling institutes on a yearly basis has been discontinued, with institutes now empaneled for a minimum period of three years, contingent on satisfactory physical and financial progress and adherence to ethical practices.
In a groundbreaking move, a transparent process was adopted for the allotment of States, Districts, and job roles, covering 411 Districts, including 82 Aspirational Districts, for implementation. The latest job roles have been allotted to these training institutes, covering 32 out of the existing 38 training sectors. This strategic approach is anticipated to diversify training opportunities and enhance employment prospects for trainee candidates.
The PM-DAKSH portal has already witnessed overwhelming response, with more than 55,000 applicants, including over 37,000 females, expressing interest in training across 821 centers and 247 different courses. A total of 574 batches have been formed and are poised to commence training in December 2023.
The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment remains committed to fostering inclusive growth and creating avenues for skill development, ensuring a brighter and more empowered future for all citizens.
