Unemployment Challenge Persists Despite Government Training Efforts

Recent government data reveals a concerning gap in employment outcomes for youth trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) since 2015. Out of 1.6 crore youth trained, merely 24.3 lakh, or less than 15%, have secured job placements.

Shift in Focus: From Placement to Empowerment

Skill development minister Jayant Chaudhary highlighted a strategic shift in PMKVY 4.0, focusing more on empowering candidates for diverse career paths rather than direct placements. Platforms like Skill India Digital Hub are now central to connecting trained individuals with employers and apprenticeship opportunities.

Identifying the Gap: Training vs. Industry Needs

Analysts point to a mismatch between training curricula and industry requirements as a key factor behind the modest employment outcomes. The government is addressing this through district-level skill gap studies and state-specific training programs to better align skilling with local demand.

Supporting Self-Employment and Quality Training

To foster self-employment, the government is linking youth with financial schemes such as PM Mudra Yojana and PM Vishwakarma. Efforts to enhance training quality include accredited centers, on-the-job training, and third-party evaluations to ensure the program's effectiveness.