India’s demographic dividend presents a unique opportunity for rapid economic growth, provided the young workforce is equipped with appropriate skills. With over 68% of the population in the working-age group, skilling, upskilling and reskilling initiatives are essential to bridge the gap between workforce potential and employability. However, India faces significant challenges such as inadequate training infrastructure and a low proportion of formally trained workers compared to other nations. In response, the Government of India has implemented several programmes, most notably the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). This paper examines the evolution, structure and impact of PMKVY, highlighting the roles of key implementing bodies such as NSDC, NSDA, SSCs and training partners. It has been found that PMKVY has significantly contributed to skilling millions of youth and improving their employment prospects, with a strong emphasis on aligning skills with industry requirements. The paper concludes that effective implementation and continuous strengthening of such initiatives are vital for realizing India’s economic aspirations and leveraging its demographic advantage.
Bansal et al. (Tue,) studied this question.