In 2023, Government of India has proposed to launch the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana’ ___________ to skill lakhs of youth within the next three years covering new age courses like coding, AI, robotics, mechatronics, IOT, 3D printing, drones and soft skills. 

The correct answer is 4.0.

Key Points

• In 2023, the Government of India launched ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)’, as part of its continued effort to upskill India's youth in emerging technologies.
• The aim is to train over 4.2 lakh youth over the next three years, covering modern areas like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, coding, drones, 3D printing, mechatronics, Internet of Things (IoT), and soft skills.
• The scheme also focuses on industry-based learning to ensure that participants acquire skills that align with market demands.
• The key objectives include:
  • Enhancing employability by providing vocational training and certification in new-age technologies.
  • Incorporating international standards into the curriculum for globally recognized certifications.
  • Promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship alongside providing placements in relevant industries.

Additional Information The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has been implemented in phases since its inception, each aiming to build on the last in terms of training India’s workforce for new and emerging industries.

• PMKVY 1.0 (2015-2016):
  • Launch Date: 15 July 2015
  • Goal: To provide skill training to around 24 lakh youth across the country in various sectors.
  • Focused on short-term training programs through training centers accredited by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
  • Outcome: More than 19 lakh candidates were trained, but the placement rate was a key challenge, as the training did not always align with industry demand.
• PMKVY 2.0 (2016-2020):
  • Launch Date: 2 October 2016
  • Goal: Upskilling of over 1 crore people by 2020.
  • Expanded to cover more sectors and introduced Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for workers who already possess certain skills.
  • Focus on placements with the introduction of mandatory placement tracking and support.
  • Increased participation of state governments in the scheme for local adaptability.
  • Special Projects were introduced to cater to the specific needs of certain industries, job roles, or regions.
  • Outcome: It significantly increased reach but faced criticism for not achieving a high placement rate despite the broader scope.
• PMKVY 3.0 (2020-2021):
• Launch Date: January 15, 2021
  • Goal: To skill over 8 lakh people in emerging areas over one year.
  • Shifted focus towards local demand-based skill training.
  • Emphasized digital learning to adapt to the post-pandemic world, incorporating online and blended training modes.
  • Introduction of district skill committees to identify demand-driven skills specific to local areas.
  • Strengthened the focus on apprenticeship training and linking skilling with employment.
  • Outcome: PMKVY 3.0 aimed to refine earlier challenges by localizing skill development and incorporating emerging technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Each version of the PMKVY scheme aimed to improve India’s skill ecosystem by adapting to the evolving needs of the labor market and technological advancements. PMKVY 4.0 continues this effort by focusing on futuristic technologies and aligning the training program with global standards.