AI, 5G Skills Boost: Skill India Targets Industry Demands, Over 6.15 Million Beneficiaries Trained Till 2024

New Delhi: The schemes under the Skill India Programme (SIP) ensure greater integration of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, cybersecurity, blockchain and cloud computing to meet industry demands, highlighted Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (independent charge) Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.

According to the parliamentary document under the SIP, over 6.15 million beneficiaries have been trained till December 2024.

Integration with Emerging Technologies

The restructuring ensures greater alignment with industry requirements through three key schemes:

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0): Over 400 new courses have been introduced in high-demand sectors such as AI, Green Hydrogen, Drone Technology, and Cybersecurity.
• Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS): Apprenticeship opportunities have been expanded to include roles such as Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst, and Machine Learning Engineer.
• Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS): Skill development initiatives are aligned with the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme to enhance local economic opportunities.

Bridging the Skill Gap

In response to a parliamentary question MoS Chaudhary responded that the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is actively using Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data and District Skill Development Plans (DSDPs) to identify skill gaps.

Continuous upskilling and reskilling initiatives are being emphasized to keep India’s workforce adaptable and future-ready.

International Recognition of Skills

The National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) has been enhanced to promote international recognition.

The credit transfer provisions facilitate global acceptance of Indian skilling initiatives, making it easier for candidates to seek employment abroad.

As of 31 December 2024, a total of 61,51,892 individuals have been trained under various SIP schemes, with 23,08,855 candidates benefiting from PMKVY 4.0, 23,95,871 through PM-NAPS, and 14,47,166 through JSS.

State-wise Breakdown of Beneficiaries

Among the leading states:

• Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of trained candidates, with 4,65,694 under PMKVY 4.0, 1,88,107 under PM-NAPS, and 2,42,517 under JSS.
• Maharashtra followed closely, with 98,595 under PMKVY 4.0, 6,53,877 under PM-NAPS, and 1,05,776 under JSS.
• Madhya Pradesh trained 2,65,885 candidates under PMKVY 4.0, 63,253 under PM-NAPS, and 1,44,891 under JSS.
• Tamil Nadu saw 1,08,777 candidates trained under PMKVY 4.0, 2,50,167 under PM-NAPS, and 40,844 under JSS.
• Other states with significant participation included Rajasthan, Bihar, Punjab, Gujarat, and Karnataka.

Job Opportunities and Apprenticeships

To ensure employment opportunities for those trained under the scheme:

• Rozgar Melas (Job Fairs) are being held regularly to connect candidates with employers.
• Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAM) are organized monthly to boost industry interactions.
• Under PM-NAPS, 25 per cent of the stipend (up to Rs 1,500 per month per apprentice) is directly transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS) have established Livelihood Cells to promote entrepreneurship.

With these comprehensive reforms, the Skill India Programme is poised to equip millions of Indians with future-ready skills, enhance global employability, and drive economic growth in the coming years.