A recent development on the employment front features a collaboration between the Union Labour Ministry and Microsoft India. The partnership has led to the launch of a digital skilling platform, DigiSaksham, designed to improve youth employability. This initiative is an updated addition to the current programs focusing on supporting young individuals from rural and semi-urban localities.
DigiSaksham: An Overview
DigiSaksham is a complimentary training platform targeted at equipping more than 300,000 youths with crucial digital skills in the first year of operation. The program covers basic as well as advanced computing skills. The primary beneficiaries will be job-seekers from semi-urban areas who belong to disadvantaged communities. Furthermore, those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic through job losses have been earmarked for priority inclusion.
Training Locations
The training is scheduled to take place at various Model Career Centres (MCCs) and National Career Service Centres (NCSC) across the country. These centres are known for their commitment to enhancing the prospects of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Implementing Agency
The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme India (AKRSP-I), a non-government and non-denominational development organization, is responsible for the DigiSaksham platform implementation. The AKRSP-I works as a catalyst for uplifting rural communities by providing comprehensive support to local inhabitants.
Role of the National Career Service Portal
As part of this initiative, job seekers can access the training courses via the National Career Service (NCS) Portal. The NCS Portal, implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, provides a broad range of employment and career-related services to citizens of India.
Why DigiSaksham?
The primary aim of DigiSaksham is to bridge India’s digital divide and set the country on a path towards inclusive economic recovery. By preparing India’s talent to excel in a digital future, the initiative caters to not only domestic economy needs but also enhances potential for overseas employment opportunities.
Other Initiatives for Youth Employment
In addition to DigiSaksham, several other initiatives have been launched by the government to boost youth employment. These include Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0, Generation Unlimited in India (YuWaah), National Career Service, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA).
