In recent developments, the government has introduced the second phase of the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship under its SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) programme. The agenda behind this initiative is to create effective pathways for the youth to capitalize on employment opportunities and enhance their livelihood.
Understanding SANKALP
The SANKALP initiative is a loan-assisted program backed by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship since January 2018. The primary objective of this centrally sponsored scheme is to eradicate the disparity between the supply and demand for skilled manpower across India. District Skill Committees (DSCs) play a crucial role in facilitating this process.
About the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship
Designed to provide young and dynamic individuals an opportunity to contribute significantly to grassroots skill development, the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship is a two-year-long programme.
MGNF through the years – Phases I and II
The first phase of MGNF was initiated in 2019, partnering with IIM Bangalore. It currently boasts of having 69 Fellows employed across six states in 69 districts.
The next stage of the Fellowship, dubbed Phase-II, was officially rolled out in October 2021 with 661 MGNFs set to be deployed across all the country’s districts. As part of the expansion effort, eight additional IIMs have joined the programme, taking the total number to nine.
Aim of MGNF Phase II
Phase II seeks to merge the classroom sessions delivered by partnering IIMs with intensive ground-level immersion in districts. Its primary goals include devising actionable plans and identifying hurdles in augmenting employment and economic output while supporting rural livelihoods. By focusing on developing skills tailored to local needs, the programme aligns itself with the “vocal for local” ideology. This approach also aids in creating a skill base relevant to the industry, thereby contributing to the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision.
Eligibility for the Programme
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must be within the 21-30 age bracket, hold a graduation degree from a recognized institution, and be citizens of India. They are also required to have proficiency in the official language of their designated fieldwork state.
Other Skill Development Schemes
Apart from SANKALP, multiple other initiatives targeted at skill development exist such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Recognition of Prior Learning, National Career Service Project, Skill Management and Accreditation of Training Centres (SMART), Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE), Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana (Yuva Udyamita Vikas Abhiyan), Kaushal Acharya Awards, Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS), and Atmanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM).
