NAVYA Programme: Skill Training for Adolescent Girls
Why in News?
Recently, the Government informed the Lok Sabha that 1,060 girls from 15 States/UTs have been trained under the NAVYA programme as of 30 June 2026. Jammu and Kashmir accounted for 137 trainees, among the higher-performing regions. The government also announced that NAVYA will be expanded to 100 aspirational districts from 27 May 2026.
Full Form and Launch
- NAVYA: Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls.
- Launched on 24 June 2025 in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.
- Joint initiative of:
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
- Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
- Implemented under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0).
Objectives
- Provide vocational skill training to adolescent girls in non-traditional and emerging job roles.
- Promote socio-economic independence and women-led development.
- Focus on aspirational districts, tribal areas and North-Eastern regions.
- Equip girls with both technical skills and life skills (communication, financial literacy, digital competence, workplace safety, personal hygiene).
Target Group and Coverage
- Age: 16–18 years.
- Minimum qualification: Class 10 pass.
- Initially piloted in 27 aspirational and North-Eastern districts across 19 States.
- As of June 2026, expanded to 100 aspirational districts.
- Target under PMKVY 4.0: 3,850 girls.
Training Focus
- Non-traditional and modern job roles, such as:
- Digital marketing
- Cybersecurity
- AI-enabled services
- Green jobs
- Other emerging sectors.
- Includes on-the-job training and industry-relevant skill modules.
- Certification upon completion to improve employability.
Implementation Mechanism
- Training delivered through PMKVY Kendras.
- Eligible girls register at the nearest PMKVY centre.
- Training is free of cost for beneficiaries.
- Coordination between MSDE, MWCD, State Skill Missions and District Administrations.
Significance
- Addresses gender gaps in skilling and labour-force participation.
- Encourages girls to enter non-traditional sectors, breaking occupational stereotypes.
- Aligns with Viksit Bharat @2047 and women-led development goals.
- Focus on aspirational districts helps reduce regional disparities in skill access and employment opportunities.
