The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme until 2026. The restructuring brings together three key skilling initiatives under one umbrella—Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) and Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme.
The Skill India Programme will have a total outlay of Rs 8,800 crore over three years, from FY23 to FY26. “This approval underscores the government’s commitment to building a skilled, future-ready workforce by integrating demand-driven, technology-enabled, and industry-aligned training across the country,” the government statement said.
The three flagship schemes, now integrated under the programme, are operated by the ministry of skill development & entrepreneurship and have collectively benefitted over 22.7 million individuals to date.
Under the PMKVY 4.0, the focus is on the short-term training, including special projects, and reskilling and upskilling with its target beneficiary being 15-59 years of age. Over the years, PMKVY has gone through large changes, including the integration of on-the-job training (OJT) within short-term skilling programmes to ensure that trainees gain real-world exposure and industry experience.
Similarly, the PM-NAPS has played a key role in providing on-the-job vocational training to youth in the 14-35 age group. The central government supports the PM-NAPS by providing 25% of the stipend, up to Rs 1,500 per month per apprentice during the training period.