Introduction
India’s socio-economic fabric is deeply intertwined with its large marginalized population groups — including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), and De-notified Tribes (DNTs). While constitutional protections and welfare schemes have been in place for decades, economic empowerment remains a key challenge.
To bridge this gap, the Government of India launched the PM-DAKSH Yojana in 2020 to provide quality skill development training for livelihood and self-reliance.
What is PM-DAKSH?
PM-DAKSH stands for “Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi”.
It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at improving the livelihood capabilities of the targeted marginalized communities through skill training and entrepreneurship development.
- Launched by:
- Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE)
- Year of Launch:
- 2020
- Implemented by:
- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Ministry’s training partners
Objectives of PM-DAKSH
- To enhance employability and self-employment among the marginalized.
- To reduce dependency on subsidies by promoting self-reliance.
- To bridge the skill gap through quality and market-relevant training.
- To promote entrepreneurship, particularly among SCs, OBCs, EBCs, and DNTs.
“Skill is the new currency of empowerment.”
Target Beneficiaries
| Category | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SCs) | No income limit |
| Other Backward Classes (OBCs) | Annual family income ≤ ₹3 lakh |
| Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) | Annual family income ≤ ₹1 lakh |
| Denotified Tribes (DNTs) | No income limit |
Key Components
Short-Term Training (STT)
- Duration: 200–600 hours (approx. 3–6 months)
- Includes: Theory + Practical + Soft Skills + Placement
- Sectors: Retail, IT, Health, Electronics, Apparel, etc.
Up-skilling / Re-skilling
- Duration: 32–80 hours
- Focuses on upgrading existing skills of workers (e.g., beauticians, plumbers, masons)
Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP)
- Duration: 40–160 hours
- Includes: Business Planning, Credit Linkage, Marketing Strategies
Long-Term Training (LTT)
- Duration: >600 hours (6–12 months)
- Conducted in ITIs/Polytechnics
- NSQF Level 3 and above
PM-DAKSH Portal & Mobile App
To improve transparency and ease of access:
- www.pmdaksh.dosje.gov.in — One-stop platform for registration, course tracking, and certifications.
- PM-DAKSH App — Mobile interface for real-time updates and enrollment.
Performance Highlights
| Year | Trained Candidates | Placement Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | 45,000+ | ~65% |
| 2021–22 | 52,000+ | ~70% |
| 2022–23 | 60,000+ | ~72% |
Over 1.5 lakh candidates trained since inception.
Geographical Reach
- Present in over 27 States and UTs.
- Focus on Tier 2 & 3 cities, tribal belts, and aspirational districts.
Benefits of PM-DAKSH
For Individuals
- Free training with stipend & toolkit.
- Opportunity for employment or self-employment.
- Increased confidence, income, and social mobility.
For Society
- Reduces inter-generational poverty.
- Promotes inclusive economic growth.
- Enhances productivity and human capital.
Socio-Economic Context Behind PM-DAKSH
Despite India’s economic strides, a large section of marginalized communities continues to remain excluded from mainstream employment and entrepreneurship opportunities due to:
- Lack of formal education or vocational skills
- Social discrimination and exclusion
- Inadequate access to financial resources
- Limited market exposure
In this backdrop, PM-DAKSH addresses both skill deficiency and social inequity, placing a strong focus on empowerment through capacity building.
Convergence with Other Schemes
PM-DAKSH doesn’t operate in isolation. It complements and converges with several other government initiatives to ensure end-to-end support:
| Scheme | Nature of Convergence |
|---|---|
| PMKVY (Skill India) | Leverages NSDC training partners and sector skill councils |
| Mudra Yojana | Provides credit to trained candidates for setting up enterprises |
| Stand-Up India | Promotes women and SC/ST entrepreneurs |
| Digital India | Empowers digital onboarding, certification, and job linkage |
| Startup India | Enables beneficiaries with incubation and funding opportunities |
Role of Institutions in Implementation
| Institution | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment | Policy formulation, fund allocation, monitoring |
| National Skill Development Corporation | Technical partner for curriculum, training partner onboarding, evaluation |
| Empanelled Training Institutes (ETIs) | Ground-level execution, mobilisation, training, certification |
| State Skill Missions | Regional coordination, local mobilization, placement facilitation |
This institutional ecosystem ensures scalability, accountability.
PM-DAKSH and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The scheme contributes directly to several United Nations SDGs:
| SDG Goal | PM-DAKSH Contribution |
|---|---|
| Goal 1: No Poverty | By enabling self-employment and steady incomes |
| Goal 4: Quality Education | Through short-term and long-term vocational training |
| Goal 5: Gender Equality | Special focus on women participants |
| Goal 8: Decent Work and Growth | By creating skilled manpower for the modern job market |
| Goal 10: Reduced Inequality | Directly addresses caste-based and class-based inequalities |
Challenges in Implementation
- Low awareness in rural and remote areas.
- Dropouts due to migration or family pressure.
- Mismatch between training and market demand.
- Limited post-training support (e.g., credit linkage, handholding).
- Digital divide affecting app and portal usage.
Way Forward
- Strengthen awareness campaigns through ASHAs, SHGs, and Gram Sabhas.
- Integrate with Mudra loans, Stand-Up India, and Start-Up India.
- Improve industry participation for demand-driven training.
- Encourage CSR participation in mobilization and placement.
- Create PM-DAKSH Alumni Networks for mentoring and feedback.
Conclusion
PM-DAKSH is not just a skilling scheme — it’s a mission to unlock the true potential of marginalized communities. By creating pathways to economic participation, it lays the foundation for an India where no one is left behind, regardless of caste, class, or tribe.
In the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, PM-DAKSH is a cornerstone in India’s journey toward equity and empowerment.
