Details

The “Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi” (PM-DAKSH) Scheme, introduced in 2020–21 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, stands as an important initiative for the upliftment of marginalized sections of society. The primary objective of this scheme is to enhance the capabilities of individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Denotified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Mitras by equipping them with market-relevant skills.

Through its various programs, PM-DAKSH focuses on upskilling, reskilling, short-term training, and entrepreneurial development courses. By addressing the diverse needs of different groups, it seeks to create opportunities that can improve both employability and income prospects. Importantly, the training provided under this scheme is aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring that participants acquire standardized and industry-recognized competencies.

Beyond skill development, the scheme also emphasizes post-training support, which enables candidates to secure either gainful employment or to establish their own ventures for self-employment. In doing so, PM-DAKSH not only builds confidence among beneficiaries but also contributes to their long-term social and economic empowerment.

Benefits

The Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Scheme offers a wide range of benefits to empower marginalized communities through skill development and training. By providing structured support, the scheme ensures that candidates not only acquire industry-relevant skills but also receive the necessary assistance to secure employment or start their own ventures.

Key Benefits

1. Free Training – All training programs under the scheme are provided at no cost to the trainees, with 100% funding support from the Government of India.

2. Stipend Support – Trainees receive a stipend during the training period to reduce financial stress and encourage participation.

3. Certification – Upon successful completion of training and assessment, participants are awarded recognized certificates.

4. Placement Opportunities – Certified candidates are assisted with job placements, ensuring employment or self-employment prospects.

Categories of Skilling Programmes

The scheme is structured around three main categories of skill development initiatives, each tailored to meet the unique needs of different groups.

1. Up-skilling and Re-skilling under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Target Group: Safai Mitras, including waste pickers, who are engaged in sanitation work at the grassroots level.

Curriculum: Focus on safe and healthy sanitation practices, occupational health, and other skills as per approved Qualification Packs (QPs). Certification is provided in line with standard national processes.

Period of Training: Approximately 35 hours, keeping in mind the working schedules of the participants.

Training Cost: Covered under the Common Cost Norms (CCN) issued by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

Other Expenses: Since trainees are already employed, each participant is compensated with ₹500/- as a stipend to cover wage loss during training.

2. Short-Term Courses (Focused on Wage/Self-Employment)

Target Group: SCs, OBCs, EWSs, DNTs, and sanitation workers (including waste pickers and their dependents) who aspire to build careers in high-demand sectors.

Curriculum: Training is designed as per NSQF/National Occupational Standards (NOS). Courses cover diverse trades such as tailoring, furniture making, food processing, carpet weaving, beautician work, leather crafts, tyre fitting, latex harvesting, and more. Financial and digital literacy is also included. Training is delivered through accredited centers.

Period of Training: Less than 1200 hours, as per the guidelines of NOS and QPs.

Training Cost: Covered under CCN norms for NSQF job roles, updated as per government notifications.

Other Expenses:

Non-residential training: Stipends of ₹1,500/- per month for SC candidates and sanitation workers (including dependents), and ₹1,000/- per month for OBC, EWS, and DNT trainees.

Residential training: Boarding and lodging provided under CCN norms. No additional stipend is paid except for Safai Mitras, waste pickers, and their dependents, who receive ₹500/- per month.

3. Entrepreneurial Development Programmes (EDP)

Implementing Agencies: The Ministry collaborates with premier institutions such as the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), among others, to deliver EDP training.

Focus: These programs aim to instill entrepreneurial skills, enabling participants to establish and manage small-scale enterprises, thereby promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment.

Eligibility

The Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Scheme has been designed with specific eligibility conditions to ensure that its benefits reach the most marginalized sections of society. The following criteria must be met by applicants to participate in the training and development programs:

General Eligibility Conditions

1. Nationality – The applicant must be an Indian national and must possess valid proof of nationality.

2. Age Limit – The applicant should be between 18 and 45 years of age.

3. Target Groups – The applicant must belong to one of the following categories:

a). Scheduled Castes (SCs)

b). Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

c). Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs)

d). Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs)

e). Safai Mitras, including waste pickers

4. Income Criteria:

a). For OBC and EWS applicants, the annual family income must not exceed ₹3,00,000/-.

b). For SC, DNT, and Safai Mitras (including waste pickers), there is no income limit.

5. Documentation – Applicants must have a valid Aadhaar card (with exemptions for states where Aadhaar is not fully implemented).

6. Bank Account – A valid Aadhaar-linked bank account is mandatory.

7. Registration – Applicants must be registered on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) to avail the benefits of the scheme.

Target Groups for Training

The PM-DAKSH scheme offers different training modules designed to cater to the needs of various sections of society. The target groups for each type of program are as follows:

1. Up-skilling/Re-skilling under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

a). Applicable only to Safai Mitras, including waste pickers, who form the base of the workforce pyramid.

2. Short-Term Courses (Focused on Wage/Self-Employment)

a). Designed for the most disempowered groups including SCs, OBCs, EWSs, DNTs, and sanitation workers (along with their dependents).

b). The objective is to help them secure jobs in high-demand sectors with fair wages.

3. Entrepreneurial Development Programmes (EDP)

a). Tailored for SC, OBC, EWS, and DNT youth with an entrepreneurial mindset.

b). Focused on developing business skills and promoting self-employment.

Attendance Requirement

To ensure discipline and accountability in training, strict attendance norms are enforced:

1. Attendance is tracked using Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS).

2. Each candidate must maintain more than 70% attendance to be eligible for final assessment.

3. Assessors are also required to mark biometric attendance during evaluations.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

OJT is a vital component of the PM-DAKSH scheme, as it bridges classroom training with practical workplace experience. The following guidelines apply:

1. Certification – Establishments providing OJT must issue a certificate at the end of training, clearly mentioning the duration and attendance of the trainee.

2. Training Provider’s Responsibility – It is the duty of the training provider to monitor and ensure regular attendance of candidates during OJT.

3. Final Assessment – After OJT completion, a final assessment will be conducted. Training providers are responsible for ensuring the presence of all eligible candidates.

4. Exemptions – In districts where OJT facilities are unavailable, exemptions will be granted by the Project Approval Committee (PAC). In such cases, candidates may undertake project work as an alternative.

Application Process

The application process for the Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Scheme is simple and can be completed online through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal. Candidates are required to follow a series of steps to successfully register themselves and become eligible for training programs.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Visit the Official Portal

a). Go to the website of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

b). On the top-right corner of the homepage, click on the “Register” button.

2. Select the Category

a). On the next page, choose the option “Learner/Participant” to proceed with the registration.

3. Enter Contact Details

a). Provide a valid mobile number in the given field.

b). Click on the “Continue” button to move forward.

4. OTP Verification and Password Setup

a). Validate the mobile number by entering the OTP (One-Time Password) received.

b). Create and set a secure password for login.

5. Profile Validation through e-KYC

a). After logging in, complete the profile verification using e-KYC.

b). This step is mandatory to finalize the registration process.

Documents Required

1. Identity Proof – A valid Aadhaar Card is mandatory for establishing the applicant’s identity.

2. Photograph – A recent passport-size photograph must be provided for official records.

3. Caste/Community Certificate – This certificate is required to verify the applicant’s belonging to SC, OBC, DNT, or other eligible groups.

4. Income Certificate – For candidates from OBC and EWS categories, an income certificate is necessary to confirm that the family income falls within the prescribed limit.

5. Proof of Age – Any government-approved document, such as a birth certificate, Aadhaar card, or school certificate, may be used to verify age.

6. Residence Proof – A valid residence document such as a ration card, utility bill, or voter ID card is required to establish domicile.

7. Educational Qualification Certificates – Certificates of academic or skill-based qualifications must be submitted to determine eligibility for specific courses.

8. Occupation Certificate – In the case of Safai Mitras, including waste pickers, an occupation certificate must be provided to confirm their engagement in sanitation work.

9. Bank Account Details – Applicants must furnish details of their Aadhaar-linked bank account or provide a copy of their bank passbook.

10. Other Documents – Any additional documents, if required by the authorities, must be submitted as per instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions