The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked affiliated schools to start skill centers on their campus as part of the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0. The government launched this scheme in the Union Budget 2023.
In the year 2021-22, CBSE launched and implemented ‘Skill Hub’ under PMKVY 3.0 in selected schools on a pilot basis. The Board further provided a brief note on PMKVY 4.0, proposed courses, job roles, selection of candidates, eligibility criteria, financial assistance and modalities of implementation of the scheme.
CBSE said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the need to promote skill development in schools. The objective of the education policy is to include skill education and training programs in the school curriculum.
CBSE said in a statement, “All schools affiliated to CBSE (private or government), especially those offering skill subjects in their schools, are permitted to start skill hubs in their campus as per the given guidelines and norms. are encouraged.”
It further said, “Promoting skills in schools is expected to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers and contribute to the economic growth of the country.”
About PMKVY 4.0
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has been implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana since 2015 to create an industry-ready workforce. It will also enhance the employability skills of the youth. The scheme targets school dropouts, college dropouts, out-of-school children and unemployed youth in the age group of 15-45 years.
Under the scheme, students are offered demand-driven and industry-linked skill courses. Consideration has been given to using the existing infrastructure of schools as ‘Skill Centres’ after school hours or on non-working days to provide skill education and training.