Outlook Business Desk
Over 1.6 crore youth have been trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) since 2015, according to government data cited by Times of India. Yet, only around 24.3 lakh found jobs—putting the placement rate below 15%.
In a Lok Sabha reply, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Jayant Chaudhary said job placements were tracked under PMKVY phases 1 to 3 (2015–2022). But under PMKVY 4.0, the focus has shifted to broader career outcomes, not just direct employment.
“PMKVY 4.0 is oriented towards empowering the candidates to pursue diverse career paths through a multi-pronged approach, including support for placements, self-employment, and entrepreneurship,” said Chaudhary.
The minister also stated that platforms like the Skill India Digital Hub are being used to link trained candidates with employers and apprenticeships. He also highlighted regular Rozgar Melas and Apprenticeship Melas being held to boost hiring across sectors.
Of the 56.89 lakh candidates certified under Short-Term Training between 2015 and 2022, only 24.3 lakh, which amounts to 43%, were placed. Experts point to a mismatch between training and market needs. In response, the government is conducting district-level skill gap studies and rolling out state-specific programmes.
To boost jobs, skilling schemes are now connecting with financial aid. PM Mudra Yojana offers business loans (₹35.13 lakh crore sanctioned), PM Vishwakarma scheme supports traditional artisans (₹3,920 crore outlay), and DAY-NULM helps urban poor with jobs and training (₹8,775 crore outlay, 9.8 lakh beneficiaries).
Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh currently lead in training enrolment and loan disbursal under PMKVY-linked schemes. The government says training is delivered through accredited centres, includes on-the-job learning, and follows the National Credit Framework to formalise learning outcomes.
To improve impact, the scheme is being closely monitored, with regular reviews and third-party checks in place. An independent evaluation of PMKVY 4.0 is currently underway and is expected to guide upcoming changes in policy and implementation.