Education Minister Pradhan Sets Record Straight on Skill India Mission Amid Congress Criticism

Union Minister refutes claims, presents comprehensive data on skill development initiatives.

In a response to recent allegations by Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge regarding the effectiveness of the Skill India Mission, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan presented a detailed rebuttal, emphasizing the significant strides made in skill development across the nation.

Pradhan, while addressing Kharge's assertions, clarified that the 40 crore figure cited was the estimated size of the working-age population and not the targeted number for skill training under the initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.

Citing data, Pradhan highlighted that since the inception of the Skill India Mission, over 7 crore individuals have been equipped with employable skills through various schemes nationwide. He particularly underscored the success of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), which has trained 1.5 crore individuals alone.

Pradhan countered allegations of low placement rates by stressing that while some may not have been immediately absorbed into the workforce, efforts are ongoing to integrate skilled individuals into employment opportunities effectively.

Furthermore, Pradhan addressed concerns regarding the reduction in the number of skill training centers, explaining that consolidation and optimization have been undertaken to enhance efficiency rather than indicating a decline in commitment to skill development.

Highlighting the government's broader vision, Pradhan emphasized initiatives such as mainstreaming skill development into the school curriculum through reforms like the National Education Policy, the Skill India Digital Hub, and the APAAR framework.

The Education Minister's comprehensive response underscores the government's commitment to empowering India's youth with the necessary skills for a prosperous future, challenging misconceptions and presenting a factual account of the progress achieved under the Skill India Mission.