Empowering Rural Youth: Government Initiatives in Skill Development

By Khritish Swargiary

In a recent parliamentary inquiry, the Government of India's Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, represented by Minister of State Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar, shed light on its initiatives aimed at uplifting rural youth in Andhra Pradesh through skill development and employment opportunities. The question, posed by Shri Kurva Gorantla Madhav and Shri Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, delved into specific measures targeted at understanding and addressing the aspirations of rural youth, expanding existing initiatives, and enhancing awareness and accessibility of vocational training programs.

In response, Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted the comprehensive approach adopted by the Ministry under the Skill India Mission (SIM) to enhance the employability of youth across the nation, including rural areas like Andhra Pradesh. The Ministry operates through various schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Sikhshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS), facilitated by a vast network of skill development centers, schools, colleges, and institutes.

Under the PMKVY scheme, short-term training and recognition of prior learning are provided to youth, including those in rural regions, to equip them with industry-relevant skills. The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme focuses on imparting vocational skills to non-literates and school dropouts, with priority given to marginalized groups in rural and urban areas. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) promotes apprenticeship training, while the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) offers long-term training through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), aiming to bridge the skill gap in various economic sectors.

Regarding the enrollment rates in vocational training programs among rural youth, the Ministry provided data reflecting the number of candidates trained under these schemes from 2020 to 2023. The figures showed a significant engagement of youth in skill development programs, indicating a positive trend towards enhancing their employability and self-employment prospects.

The Minister also emphasized the Ministry's efforts in improving awareness and accessibility of these programs in Andhra Pradesh. Strategies such as awareness drives, workshops, community engagement initiatives, and leveraging digital platforms like All India Radio, Press Information Bureau, MyGov, and Doordarshan have been undertaken. These initiatives aim to reach individuals across diverse socio-economic backgrounds, including those in remote regions, ensuring that skill-related information and resources are accessible to all.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship's proactive measures underline the government's commitment to empowering rural youth by providing them with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive in today's dynamic job market. These initiatives not only contribute to individual growth but also play a vital role in the overall socio-economic development of the nation.

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