Union Skill Development, Women ministries conduct orientation session for women in 27 aspirational districts

This pilot marks the initial phase of a strategic partnership between the two ministries, laying the groundwork for a nationwide programme.

The initiative seeks to address the barriers women face in entering the workforce. The event also included capacity-building sessions for CDPOs, preparing them for the project's official launch this year. The program's nationwide rollout would be based on the success of this pilot.

Training will be conducted under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, targeting approximately 4000 beneficiaries. The programme is with a focus on training in non-traditional and high-demand job roles, with a strong emphasis on digital and soft skills development.

Additionally, the initiative will offer comprehensive support, including counselling, career guidance, financial literacy, digital literacy, and job placement assistance.

The project will also facilitate connections to e-commerce platforms and provide sensitisation on POSH (prevention of sexual harassment). Furthermore, it is expected to boost female enrolments in our Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, stated at the event, "This orientation program is a crucial step in our mission to empower adolescent girls and women across the nation. By equipping them with skills in non-traditional and high-demand job roles, we are not just preparing them for the workforce, but also enabling them to lead independent, self-reliant lives. Our collaboration with MoWCD reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that every woman, regardless of where she is from, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to India's growth and prosperity."

Anil Malik, Secretary, Ministry of Women & Child Development, added, "Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that we must move beyond simply focussing on women's development and instead shift towards women-led development, where women are at the forefront of driving our nation's progress. This vision defines our future, and to realise it, women must be empowered and willing to participate in the workforce to their fullest potential.

"This program is built on the principle that a paid, formal economy should see greater participation from women, which is currently at 37%. Our goal is to raise this to 60%, in line with other developed nations. This initiative is a significant step in that direction, with the potential to transform the lives of lakhs of girls and women across India."

This project marks a significant government initiative to bridge the gender gap in workforce participation and unlock the potential of women in contributing to India's economic development. By partnering with local businesses for internships and apprenticeships, the programme will provide participants with essential practical exposure.

The training will be conducted under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, and utilise existing PMKK, JSS centres, and government educational institutions across 27 aspirational districts and 60+ Training Centres with a special provision of Rs 1,000 per month for transport conveyance assistance to all female trainees via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). This initiative was presented as a significant step towards bridging the gender gap in workforce participation and unlocking the immense potential of women in contributing to India's economic development.

Additionally, the project lifecycle will be managed via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), where certain training modules, course discovery, financial and funding services, and assessments will be made available.

The programme will offer training in non-traditional and high-demand job roles and will emphasise digital skills and soft skills development while providing comprehensive support, including counselling, career guidance, and job placement assistance.

Several collaborations with local businesses for internships and apprenticeships were also outlined, ensuring practical exposure for future participants. (ANI)