The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH), a Central Sector Scheme, was launched during 2020-21 to provide skill training to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis, including Waste Pickers, through empanelled training institutes to encourage self-employment and wage-employment for their socio-economic development.
A Senior Official in the Ministry said the scheme was implemented by three Corporations of the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE), namely, the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
The Official said that from 2024-25 onwards, it was decided to merge PM-DAKSH with the PMKVY Scheme of MSDE. As PM-DAKSH was an additionality to PMKVY and all job roles for providing skill training were taken from the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal, which were also covered under PMKVY, PM-DAKSH was subsumed under PMKVY to avoid duplication, she added.
The Official said the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment releases funds to the Corporations, which reimburse training costs to institutes empanelled under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), as per the scheme guidelines and work order.
She said after training completion, institutes are required to provide wage-employment and/or self-employment to at least 70% of trained candidates. If this requirement is not met, the third instalment, amounting to 30% of the training cost, is forfeited. Training institutes are also mandated to maintain collaboration with relevant industries to facilitate employment opportunities for trained candidates. The three Corporations extend loan facilities and assistance to eligible youth from the target group in setting up their projects by providing handholding support, the Official added.
Against the total funds allotted for PM-DAKSH from 2020-21 to 2023-24 amounting to ₹276.47 crore, actual expenditure of ₹309.5 crore had been incurred till date. During 2020-21 to 2023-24, 1,87,305 candidates were trained and 96,162 candidates were placed, the Official said.
The Official further said the evaluation study of the PM-DAKSH Scheme shows strong relevance and learning effectiveness, with over 90% of beneficiaries reporting alignment of training with their career goals and local labour market needs, as well as achievement of intended learning outcomes. Impact results indicate non-material gains such as improved confidence, self-esteem and social recognition, particularly among women and marginalised groups. Sustainability outcomes are largely positive, with most beneficiaries continuing to use the skills acquired, expecting long-term income growth, reinvesting in development and feeling capable of maintaining improvements independently, the Official added.