The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) scheme aims to promote the socio-economic development of Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Denotified Tribes (DNT), and sanitation workers (including waste pickers) by providing them with skill training. The scheme encourages self-employment and wage-based employment opportunities through training imparted by empanelled training institutions.
A Central Sector Scheme launched in 2020-21
PM-DAKSH is a Central Sector Scheme that was launched during the year 2020-21. Under this scheme, eligible individuals from the target groups are provided with various skill training programs to enhance their employability. The broader objective is to connect beneficiaries with employment or self-employment opportunities through such training.
Implementation through three corporations
The scheme was implemented through three corporations under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment: the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Backwards Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
Reimbursement of training costs to training institutions
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment releases funds to these corporations. Subsequently, these corporations reimburse the training costs to the training institutions—which are empanelled under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship—in accordance with the guidelines and work orders of the PM-DAKSH scheme.
Mandatory placement for 70% of trained candidates
Under the scheme, it was mandatory for training institutions to ensure that at least 70% of the trained candidates secured employment—whether through wage-based jobs or self-employment—upon completion of their training. Failure to provide such employment resulted in the non-release of the third instalment, which accounted for 30% of the total training cost.
Necessity of Collaboration with Industries
It was also essential for training institutions to maintain collaboration with relevant industries to ensure employment opportunities for trained candidates. Furthermore, the three corporations associated with the scheme provided eligible youth from the target groups with loan facilities to set up their own ventures, alongside necessary guidance and support.
Rs 276.47 Crore Allocated; Rs 309.5 Crore Spent
A total of Rs 276.47 crore was allocated for the PM-DAKSH scheme from the year 2020-21 to 2023-24. During this period, an actual expenditure of Rs 309.5 crore has been incurred so far.
Over 1.87 Lakh Candidates Trained
Between 2020-21 and 2023-24, a total of 187,305 candidates were trained under the PM-DAKSH scheme. Of these, 96,162 candidates secured employment, which included both wage-based employment and self-employment.
Evaluation Study Highlights Effectiveness of Training
An evaluation study of the PM-DAKSH scheme has yielded positive results regarding its relevance and the effectiveness of the training provided. More than 90% of the beneficiaries reported that the training aligned with their career goals and the requirements of the local labour market. Beneficiaries also acknowledged that the training enabled them to achieve the intended learning outcomes.
Improvement in Self-Confidence and Social Identity
The study’s findings on the scheme’s impact revealed significant non-economic benefits, such as improvements in self-confidence, self-esteem, and social identity. These gains were particularly notable among women and marginalised groups. This indicates that the scheme’s impact extended beyond employment and income, contributing also to the social and personal empowerment of the beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries Continue to Utilise Acquired Skills
Findings related to the sustainability of the scheme have also been largely positive. Most beneficiaries continue to utilize the skills acquired during their training. Furthermore, a large number of beneficiaries have expressed an expectation of increased future income. Many are reinvesting in their own development and feel capable of independently sustaining these improvements.
Merger into PMKVY from FY 2024-25
It was decided to integrate the PM-DAKSH scheme into the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)—under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship—starting from the 2024-25 financial year. The PM-DAKSH scheme previously operated as a complement to PMKVY; the job roles for skill training under it were sourced from the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal, which is also utilised by PMKVY.
Decision taken to avoid duplication of schemes
Given the overlap in training roles and the use of the same digital platform for both PM-DAKSH and PMKVY, it was decided to eliminate the duplication of these schemes. To this end, the PM-DAKSH scheme has been merged into PMKVY, effective from the 2024-25 financial year.
