The government is strengthening youth skill development across the country through initiatives under the National Service Scheme, Skill India Mission and the National Education Policy 2020.
Under the National Service Scheme, volunteers are provided training through programmes such as the Effective Leadership Programme, focusing on public speaking, professional ethics and social responsibility. Special seven-day camps also offer mentoring sessions on themes such as disaster management, watershed development, literacy campaigns, stress management and career guidance. Currently, the scheme covers about 38.81 lakh volunteers across states and Union Territories.
Skill development training is also being delivered through the Skill India Mission implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The initiative provides skill, reskilling and upskilling opportunities through schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme and training under Industrial Training Institutes.
The government is also integrating vocational education into mainstream schooling in line with the National Education Policy 2020. Under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, vocational courses aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework are offered to students from Classes 9 to 12. Employability skills such as communication, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and green skills are included as part of the curriculum.
In addition, initiatives like PMKVY 4.0 are being implemented through school-based Skill Hubs to provide blended learning opportunities and support long-term career development. Higher education institutions have also been encouraged by the University Grants Commission to offer skill-based programmes aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment also operates the National Career Service Portal, which provides job listings, career counselling, vocational guidance and information on skill training programmes.
Youth engagement is further supported through the MY Bharat Portal, where foundations such as SBI Foundation and Reliance Foundation have listed scholarship opportunities to reach more young people.
The information was shared by Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
