MSDE and MWCD Launch Pilot Project to Empower Women in 27 Aspirational Districts
Representational Image
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) have launched a pilot project to empower adolescent girls and women in 27 aspirational districts across nine states. This initiative, part of a strategic partnership between the two ministries, aims to remove barriers that women face in entering the workforce, laying the groundwork for a broader nationwide program.
As part of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, the project will target around 4,000 beneficiaries, offering training in non-traditional and high-demand job roles with a strong emphasis on digital and soft skills development. The initiative also includes comprehensive support such as counseling, career guidance, financial literacy, digital literacy, and job placement assistance. By connecting participants with e-commerce platforms and raising awareness about the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), the project seeks to prepare women for a more active role in the workforce.
The pilot phase, which includes capacity-building sessions for Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), is seen as a critical step towards the program's nationwide rollout. Success in this phase will inform the broader implementation strategy. The project also aims to increase female enrollment in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and collaborate with local businesses to provide practical exposure through internships and apprenticeships.
Key features of the program include the provision of ₹1,000 per month for transport assistance to female trainees via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and the management of the project lifecycle through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), which will offer training modules, course discovery, financial services, and assessments.
Leadership Commentary
Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, highlighted the importance of this initiative in empowering women to lead independent lives and contribute to India's growth. He emphasized that the collaboration with MoWCD reflects a shared commitment to providing women with the skills necessary to thrive in the workforce.
Shri Anil Malik, Secretary of MWCD, echoed this sentiment, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of women-led development. He noted the program's goal of raising female participation in the formal economy from 37% to 60%, aligning with the standards of developed nations.
This pilot project represents a significant government effort to close the gender gap in workforce participation, empowering women to contribute meaningfully to India's economic development.
