The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship recently stressed the importance of focusing on district-level skilling ecosystems through convergence and coordination under the SANKALP Scheme. The scheme aims to enhance skill development at the district level, taking a number of measures such as initiating a Skill India Portal, distributing grants, and supporting aspirational districts.
Skill India Portal and State Grants
The Ministry has launched the Skill India Portal, a system designed to collect and converge skill data even at the district level. This portal is part of the efforts to make skills training more accessible and relevant at the ground level.
In addition to the portal, the Ministry has also extended financial support to various states. Grants have been provided to nine states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. These grants are expected to assist in bolstering the skill training initiatives in these regions.
Support to Aspirational Districts
Alongside state grants, funding has also been extended to 117 aspirational districts under the Aspirational Skilling Abhiyaan. The move aims to encourage skill development in districts with high potential, thus promoting inclusive economic growth.
About SANKALP Scheme
Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood (SANKALP) is an outcome-oriented programme instituted by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The scheme, backed by the World Bank, aims to fulfill the mandate of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).
Objectives of SANKALP Scheme
SANKALP’s objectives include creating convergence among all skill training activities funded by both the state and central governments, improving the quality of skill development programs, and establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation system. Additionally, the scheme is committed to providing access to skill training opportunities for the disadvantaged sections of society and creating industry-led, demand-driven skill training capacity.
The STRIVE Scheme
The STRIVE (Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement) scheme is another initiative aimed at skill development. It seeks to improve the relevance and efficiency of skills training provided through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and apprenticeships.
| Scheme | Objectives |
| SANKALP | Decentralised planning, quality improvement in skill development programs, inclusive skilling opportunities |
| STRIVE | Improve performance & utilities of ITI, enhanced teaching and learning, broadened apprenticeship training |
Central Sector Schemes and Centrally Sponsored Schemes
India’s developmental plans comprise two types of schemes: Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. In Central sector schemes, the Union government provides 100% funding and implements the plan directly through Central Government machinery. In contrast, under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), a certain amount of funding is shared by the States, in varied ratios such as 50:50, 70:30, 75:25, or 90:10. The execution of these schemes is carried out by the State Governments.
Ultimately, both SANKALP and STRIVE are pivotal to India’s goal of becoming a global knowledge economy through equipping its workforce with employable skills and promoting inclusive industrial growth.
