Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment during the fiscal year 2020-21, the Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana is a pivotal Central Sector Scheme. This scheme strives to elevate the competency levels of target groups, including SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis, and waste pickers, enabling them to secure employment opportunities, both in self-employment and wage-employment sectors, to foster their socio-economic development.
The scheme operates with specific criteria:
Target Groups: SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers, etc.
Age Group: 18-45 years
Income Criteria:
– SCs, Safai Karamcharis, and DNTs: No income limit
– OBCs: Annual family income below Rs. 3 lakh
– EBCs: Annual family income below Rs. 1 lakh
Eligibility extends to Indian nationals aged between 18 and 45 years. While there’s no income cap for SCs, Safai Karamcharis, including waste pickers, OBCs must have an annual family income below Rs. 3 lakh, and EBCs below Rs. 1 lakh per annum.
The PM-Daksh scheme imparts training to the target groups across various sub-categories:
- Up-skilling/Reskilling (35 to 60 hours/5 days to 35 days): Rs. 3000/- to Rs. 8000/-
- Short Term Training (300 hours/3 months): Rs. 22,000/-
- Entrepreneurship Development Programme (90 hours/15 days): Rs. 7000/-
- Long Term Training (650 hours/7 months): Rs. 45,000/-
The training costs vary based on the duration of the course, following common norms issued by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. The scheme offers training free of cost to participants.
Participants also receive financial support:
- Stipend: SCs and Safai Karamcharis receive Rs. 1,500/- per month, while OBCs/EBCs/DNTs receive Rs. 1,000/- per month for non-residential Short Term and Long Term training courses.
- Wage Compensation: SCs/OBCs/EBCs/DNTs receive Rs. 2,500/- per candidate for Upskilling/Reskilling programs. Safai Karamcharis receive Rs. 500/- per candidate for Upskilling programs.
The PM-DAKSH Yojana operates with a vision to equip individuals from marginalized communities with skills and knowledge, fostering their economic empowerment and societal upliftment. Through tailored training programs and financial support, the scheme aims to bridge skill gaps and create employment avenues for the targeted groups, propelling their journey toward self-sufficiency and socio-economic growth.