Why in news?
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has blacklisted 178 training partners and training centres under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Inspections revealed serious irregularities such as absentee trainees, fake documentation, inflated bills and even non‑existent training centres. The action has drawn attention to oversight and accountability in India’s flagship skill‑development scheme.
Background of PMKVY
Launched in 2015, PMKVY aims to equip India’s youth with industry‑relevant skills to improve their employability. Implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Sector Skill Councils, the scheme provides short‑term training courses of 150–300 hours for unemployed and under‑employed youth aged 15–45. It also recognises prior learning of workers, supports special projects for innovative skills and organises job fairs. Successful trainees receive government‑recognised certificates and placement assistance.
Key facts about the irregularities
- Number of centres affected: 178 training partners/centres were blacklisted after inspections. The largest number of irregular centres were in Uttar Pradesh (59), followed by Delhi (25), Madhya Pradesh (24) and Rajasthan (20).
- Types of malpractice: Investigators found inflated training bills, attendance registers filled with fictitious names, duplicate identities for training partners and centres, and “ghost” centres that existed only on paper.
- Action taken: The ministry has de‑empanelled these partners, instructed state missions to recover funds and strengthened monitoring to prevent misuse. The blacklisting is part of a broader effort to clean up the skilling ecosystem.
Features of PMKVY
- Phased implementation: PMKVY has evolved through four phases. PMKVY 1.0 (2015–16) trained around 19.8 lakh candidates. PMKVY 2.0 (2016–20) aligned with other government missions and trained about 89.6 lakh individuals. PMKVY 3.0 (2020–22) energised the skilling ecosystem during the pandemic, and PMKVY 4.0 (2022–26) emphasises demand‑driven training, digital platforms and stronger industry linkage.
- Course components: Training covers technical skills, soft skills, entrepreneurship and digital literacy. Courses are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework and are available to school/college dropouts and unemployed youth.
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL): Workers with informal experience can have their skills assessed and certified, improving their prospects without attending lengthy courses.
- Special projects: The scheme funds innovative training programmes in sectors such as handicrafts, renewable energy and tourism, often in partnership with government bodies or industry associations.
Importance of accountability
PMKVY has trained more than 1.6 crore youth since 2015. Ensuring that training centres deliver quality instruction and honest reporting is critical to preserving the credibility of the scheme. The blacklisting episode highlights the need for rigorous audits, real‑time attendance tracking and community feedback mechanisms. Effective monitoring will protect public funds and ensure that India’s skilling mission achieves its goal of empowering young people for the job market.