The PM-DAKSH scheme trained over 1.87 lakh SC, OBC, EWS and other disadvantaged candidates between 2020-21 and 2023-24. According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, 96,162 candidates received job offers.
An evaluation study found that over 90 per cent of beneficiaries considered the training relevant to their career goals and local labour market requirements. The study reported that participants achieved the intended learning outcomes.
The scheme delivered non-financial benefits, including improved confidence, self-esteem and social recognition, particularly among women and marginalised groups.
Most beneficiaries continued to use their acquired skills, expected long-term income growth and expressed confidence in sustaining these improvements independently.
The government allocated Rs 276.47 crore for PM-DAKSH between 2020-21 and 2023-24. However, actual expenditure reached Rs 309.5 crore, the factsheet stated.
Launched in 2020-21, PM-DAKSH aimed to promote self-employment and wage employment among disadvantaged communities through skill training at empanelled institutes.
The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment implemented the scheme through three corporations: NSFDC, NBCFDC and NSKFDC. These bodies supported skill training and employment opportunities for eligible candidates.
The department released funds to these corporations, which reimbursed training costs to institutes empanelled under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), administered by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Training institutes had to employ at least 70 per cent of trained candidates. Failure to meet this requirement resulted in the forfeiture of the third instalment, accounting for 30 per cent of the training cost. Institutes were also required to collaborate with relevant industries to facilitate placements.
The three corporations provided eligible candidates with loans and support to establish their own ventures.
From 2024-25, the government subsumed PM-DAKSH under PMKVY to prevent duplication.
Both schemes covered job roles listed on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal, making a separate programme unnecessary, the factsheet added.
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