4.2 million to be skilled under 19 schemes over five years

The Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry aims to train over 42 lakh candidates under 19 central government schemes across 15 ministries in the next five years to build a skilled workforce for emerging industries and global demand. In collaboration with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme will train and certify 30 lakh candidates by 2027-28, making it the largest initiative under this plan. Additionally, 11.6 lakh candidates will be trained by 2029-30 for the National Green Hydrogen Mission under the New and Renewable Energy Ministry. India’s largest inter-ministerial skill training initiative ensures structured, time-bound training under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to fast-track workforce development. 

The number of trained candidates could exceed 45 lakh, as workforce demand is still being assessed for 11 schemes. The training costs will be shared between the Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry and the respective implementing ministries, with funding contributions varying by project. In February 2025, the Union Cabinet approved Rs. 8,716 crore (US$ 1 billion) for the Skill India Programme (2022-26), with Rs. 6,000 crore (US$ 688.4 million) allocated to PMKVY 4.0. This investment aims to align skill training with industry needs and boost employment opportunities across India. 

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.