Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is a ministry of the Government of India that is responsible for the coordination of all skill development efforts across the country. The ministry aims to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skilled manpower, build vocational and technical training frameworks, and facilitate the creation of a conducive ecosystem for entrepreneurship development.

History

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship was formed on 9 November 2014, by the Narendra Modi government. It was created by integrating the erstwhile Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, which was under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The ministry’s formation was a strategic move to give a focused attention to the crucial aspect of skill development and entrepreneurship promotion in the country.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship are:

• To create an end-to-end implementation framework for skill development, which includes creating an ecosystem for training, assessment, and certification.
• To promote entrepreneurship and create a support system for entrepreneurs, including access to credit, mentorship, and market linkages.
• To coordinate and converge all skill development initiatives across various central ministries, state governments, and private sector organisations.
• To establish a research and information system to analyse skill gaps, map sectoral requirements, and align skill development programmes accordingly.
• To foster international collaborations and partnerships to learn from global best practices and adapt them to the Indian context.

Initiatives and Schemes

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched several initiatives and schemes to achieve its objectives. Some of the prominent ones include:

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): PMKVY is the flagship scheme of the ministry, which aims to provide skill training to youth, with a focus on industry-relevant skills. The scheme includes various components such as short-term training, recognition of prior learning, and special projects.
• National Skill Development Mission: The National Skill Development Mission was launched in 2015 to provide a strong institutional framework for the implementation of skilling activities in the country. The mission aims to train 400 million people in different skills by 2022.
• Skill India Portal: The Skill India Portal is a one-stop platform for all skill development-related information, including training programmes, assessment and certification, and employment opportunities.
• Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana: The Pradhan Mantri YUVA (Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyan) Yojana is a scheme to promote entrepreneurship among youth. It provides entrepreneurship education and training, access to credit, and support for setting up business ventures.
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme: This scheme aims to promote apprenticeship training in the country and provide financial support to establishments undertaking apprenticeship programmes.

Skill India Campaign

The Skill India Campaign is a multi-skilling programme launched by the Government of India in 2015. It aims to train over 40 crore people in India in different skills by 2022. The campaign includes various initiatives of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Skill Development Mission, and the Skill Loan Scheme. The campaign also involves the participation of various other central ministries, state governments, and industry partners.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in promoting skill development and entrepreneurship in India. Through its various initiatives and schemes, the ministry aims to create a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the industry and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The ministry’s efforts are also aligned with the government’s larger goal of making India the skill capital of the world.