Factual Report on PM-DAKSH
PM-DAKSH, a skill-training scheme for SC, OBC and other marginalised groups, has been merged into PMKVY from 2024-25.PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi), a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2020-21, gave skill training to SC, OBC and EWS youth, De-notified Tribes and Safai KaramcharisScheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, the Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes (DNTs) and Safai Karamcharis, including waste pickers, so that they could find wage work or set up on their own.
It was run by three corporations of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment: NSFDC, NBCFDC and NSKFDC.It was run by three corporations of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE): the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC). DoSJE released funds to the corporations, which paid the training cost to institutes empanelled under PMKVY of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Institutes had to place at least 70% of their trainees in jobs or self-employment, or lose the third instalment: 30% of the training cost. They also had to work with industry, and the corporations offered loans and handholding to those starting their own projects.
It trained 1,87,305 people and placed 96,162 by 2023-24.From 2020-21 to 2023-24, 1,87,305 candidates were trained and 96,162 placed, about half. Spending reached ₹309.5 crore against ₹276.47 crore allotted.
An evaluation found that over 90% of beneficiaries said the training matched their career goals and local job needs.An evaluation study found strong relevance: over 90% of beneficiaries said the training matched their career goals and local labour market needs and met its learning outcomes. The biggest gains were often not money but confidence, self-esteem and social recognition, especially for women and marginalised groups; most still use their skills and expect their incomes to grow.
From 2024-25 it has been merged into PMKVY, to avoid duplication.From 2024-25, PM-DAKSH has been subsumed under PMKVY. It was an additionality to PMKVY, and all its job roles came from the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal, which PMKVY also covers, so running both meant duplication.
Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH), a Central Sector Scheme, was launched during 2020-21 to provide skill training to SC, OBC, EWS, De-notified Tribes (DNTs), Safai Karamcharis including Waste Pickers through empanelled training institutes for encouraging self-employment and wage-employment for their socio-economic development.
The Scheme was implemented by three Corporations of Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) namely, National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) and National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
DoSJE releases funds to the Corporations which reimburse the cost of training to the institutes who are empanelled under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), as per Scheme Guidelines and Work Order. Post training completion, institutes are required to provide employment (wage and/or self-employment) to at least 70% of the trained candidates, failing which, the release of 3rd installment, i.e., 30% of the training cost is forfeited. Further, the training institutes are mandated to maintain collaboration with the relevant industries to facilitate employment opportunities for the trained candidates. The three Corporations extend loan facilities and assistance to the eligible youth of target group in setting up their projects by handholding them.
Against the total funds allotted for PM-DAKSH from 2020-21 to 2023-2024 of Rs. 276.47 crores, actual expenditure to the tune of Rs. 309.5 crores has been incurred till date.
The number of candidates trained and placed from 2020-21 to 2023-24 is 1,87,305 and 96,162 respectively.
Evaluation study of PM-DAKSH Scheme shows strong relevance and learning effectiveness, with over 90% of beneficiaries reporting alignment of training with career goals, local labour market needs and achievement of intended learning outcomes. Impact results indicate strong non-material gains such as improved confidence, self-esteem and social recognition, particularly among women and marginalized groups. Sustainability outcomes are largely positive, with most beneficiaries continuing to use acquired skills, expecting long-term income growth, reinvesting in development and feeling capable of maintaining improvements independently.
From 2024-25 onwards, it was decided to merge PM-DAKSH Scheme with PMKVY Scheme of MSDE, as the PM-DAKSH Scheme was an additionality to the PMKVY and all job roles for providing skill training were taken from the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal which were also covered under PMKVY. Therefore, to avoid any duplication, PM DAKSH was subsumed under PMKVY.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB Delhi), 22 Oct 2026, 11:49 AM. Text as released.
- Central Sector Scheme, 2020-21
- Run by NSFDC, NBCFDC and NSKFDC (DoSJE)
- 70% placement rule; 30% of cost forfeited otherwise
- Merged into PMKVY (MSDE) from 2024-25
- GS II: schemes for vulnerable sections
- GS III: skilling and employment
- Outcome: 51% placement; non-material gains