PM-DAKSH
Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)
6.0/10The scheme "PM-DAKSH", launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E), aims to empower socially, educationally, and economically marginalized groups like SCs, OBCs, EWS, DNTs, Safai Mitras, and Waste Pickers by enhancing their skills through high-quality training.
States / UT: All India
Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Social Justice and Empowerment
Nodal department: Department of Social Justice & Empowerment
Scheme for: Individual
Scheme profile
DBT (direct benefit transfer): No
Scheme open date: 2021-07-08
Categories: Skills & Employment
Sub-categories: Training and Skill Up-gradation, Voctional education
Target beneficiaries: Individual
Tags: Skill, Training, Employment, Stipend, Scheduled Caste, Other Backward Class, Economically Weaker Section
Details
The "Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi" (PM-DAKSH) scheme, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India in 2020-21, is designed to uplift the marginalized sections of society by offering skill development programs. It targets SCs, OBCs, EWS, DNTs, and Safai Mitras, providing upskilling, reskilling, short-term training, and entrepreneurial development courses. The scheme aims to empower these groups by boosting their skills to improve their employability and income prospects. Training is aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), and post-training support is provided for employment or self-employment opportunities.
Benefits
- Key benefits:
- Training free of cost for the trainees, 100% grants by Government
- Stipend will be given to trainees during the period of training
- Trained candidates will be provided certification after successful completion of training and assessment
- Trained candidates will be provided placement after assessment and certification. Category of Skilling Programmes: 1. Up-skilling/Re-skilling under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
- Target Group: Up-skilling / Re-skilling under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will only be applicable to SafaiMitras including waster pickers who constitute the bottom of the pyramid. - Curriculum: In respect of Safai Mitras including waste pickers, the curriculum will include the programmes on safe & healthy sanitation practices, occupational practices as per relevant and approved Qualification Packs (QPs). Certification would be aligned with the standard process. - Period of Training: The duration of the training programmes will be of approximately 35 hours keeping in mind the occupational hours of the trainees. - Training Cost: The training cost will be limited to extent of Common Cost Norms (CCN) issued by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as applicable from time to time. - Other Expenses: As the trainees are already employed, they will be paid @₹500/- per person to Safai Mitras including Waste Pickers in the form of stipend, for duration of training of Up-skilling and Re-skilling under RPL, towards compensation of their wage loss, during the period of training. 2. Short-Term Courses (focus on wage/self-employment):
- Target Group: Most disempowered groups belonging to SC/OBC/EWS/DNT and Sanitation Workers including Waste Pickers and their dependents having aspirations to be employed in sectors having good demand in job market with suitable wage. - Curriculum: The Curriculum of the training programmes will be as per National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)/National Occupational Standard (NOS), issued by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India in various job roles with focus on wage and self-employment opportunities such as self-employed tailors training, furniture making, food processing, carpet weaving, beautician workers, leather work, latex harvesting, tyre fitting along with financial and digital literacy, etc. Training to be delivered through accredited and affiliated training centres. - Period of Training: The duration of the training programmes will be less than 1200 hours, as stipulated in National Occupational Standards (NOS) and Qualification Packs (QPs). - Training Cost: The training cost will be as per Common Cost Norms for NSQF job roles or as stipulated by concerned board as applicable and as amended from time to time. - Other Expenses: 1. For non-residential training programmes , the trainees will be paid stipend @ ₹1,500/- per month for SC candidates, ₹1,000/- per month to OBCs/EWSs/DNTs and ₹1,500/- per month to Sanitation Workers including waste pickers and their dependents. 1. For residential training programmes , wherever necessary, the trainees will be provided boarding and lodging and expenses compensated within CCN, for complete duration of the training programmes. No stipend will be separately payable except in case of Safai Mitras, Waste Pickers & their dependents who will be paid ₹500/- per month. 3. Entrepreneurial Development Programmes (EDP):
- Implementing Agency: Ministry will approach National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) or any other organisation viz Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship for conducting EDP training
Key benefits:
- Training free of cost for the trainees, 100% grants by Government.
- Stipend will be given to trainees during the period of training.
- Trained candidates will be provided certification after successful completion of training and assessment.
- Trained candidates will be provided placement after assessment and certification.
Category of Skilling Programmes:
1. Up-skilling/Re-skilling under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
- Target Group: Up-skilling / Re-skilling under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will only be applicable to SafaiMitras including waster pickers who constitute the bottom of the pyramid. - Curriculum: In respect of Safai Mitras including waste pickers, the curriculum will include the programmes on safe & healthy sanitation practices, occupational practices as per relevant and approved Qualification Packs (QPs). Certification would be aligned with the standard process. - Period of Training: The duration of the training programmes will be of approximately 35 hours keeping in mind the occupational hours of the trainees. - Training Cost: The training cost will be limited to extent of Common Cost Norms (CCN) issued by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as applicable from time to time. - Other Expenses: As the trainees are already employed, they will be paid @₹500/- per person to Safai Mitras including Waste Pickers in the form of stipend, for duration of training of Up-skilling and Re-skilling under RPL, towards compensation of their wage loss, during the period of training.
2. Short-Term Courses (focus on wage/self-employment):
- Target Group: Most disempowered groups belonging to SC/OBC/EWS/DNT and Sanitation Workers including Waste Pickers and their dependents having aspirations to be employed in sectors having good demand in job market with suitable wage. - Curriculum: The Curriculum of the training programmes will be as per National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)/National Occupational Standard (NOS), issued by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India in various job roles with focus on wage and self-employment opportunities such as self-employed tailors training, furniture making, food processing, carpet weaving, beautician workers, leather work, latex harvesting, tyre fitting along with financial and digital literacy, etc. Training to be delivered through accredited and affiliated training centres. - Period of Training: The duration of the training programmes will be less than 1200 hours, as stipulated in National Occupational Standards (NOS) and Qualification Packs (QPs). - Training Cost: The training cost will be as per Common Cost Norms for NSQF job roles or as stipulated by concerned board as applicable and as amended from time to time. - Other Expenses:
- For non-residential training programmes, the trainees will be paid stipend @ ₹1,500/- per month for SC candidates, ₹1,000/- per month to OBCs/EWSs/DNTs and ₹1,500/- per month to Sanitation Workers including waste pickers and their dependents. 1. For residential training programmes, wherever necessary, the trainees will be provided boarding and lodging and expenses compensated within CCN, for complete duration of the training programmes. No stipend will be separately payable except in case of Safai Mitras, Waste Pickers & their dependents who will be paid ₹500/- per month.
3. Entrepreneurial Development Programmes (EDP):
- Implementing Agency: Ministry will approach National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) or any other organisation viz Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship for conducting EDP training.
Eligibility
Applicant must be an Indian national with valid proof of nationality.
Applicant must be aged between 18 and 45 years.
Applicant must belong to one of the following groups:
- Scheduled Castes (SC);
- Other Backward Classes (OBC);
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS);
- Denotified & Nomadic Tribes (DNT0, or
- Safai Mitras (including Waste Pickers).
Applicant from OBC or EWS must have an annual family income below ₹3,00,000/- .
Applicant from SC, DNT, or Safai Mitras (including Waste Pickers) has no income limit.
Applicant must possess a valid Aadhaar card (exemption for the candidates of such States which have not implemented Aadhaar completely).
Applicant must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Applicant must register on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
Target Groups:
- Up-skilling/Re-skilling under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Up-skilling / Re-skilling under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will only be applicable to Safai Mitras including waster pickers who constitute the bottom of the pyramid. - Short-Term Courses (focus on wage/self-employment): Most disempowered groups belonging to SC/OBC/EWS/DNT and Sanitation Workers including Waste Pickers and their dependents having aspirations to be employed in sectors having good demand in job market with suitable wage. - Entrepreneurial Development Programmes(EDP): SCs, EWSs, OBCs and DNTs youth who are having an entrepreneurial bent of mind.
Note:
- Attendance:
- Compulsory AEBAS-based attendance of assessors and candidates during assessment.
- More than 70% of biometric attendance is required for each candidate to appear in the assessment in all types of training.
- On the Job Training (OJT):
- The establishments offering OJT will give a certificate at the end of OJT indicating the duration and attendance of the candidate.
- It will be the responsibility of the Training Provider to ensure the attendance of the candidates.
- The final assessment of the candidates will be carried out after completion of OJT, and it shall be the responsibility of the training provider to ensure the presence of all eligible candidates for the assessment after completion of OJT.
- In districts where facilities for OJT are not available, special exemptions will be given by PAC. In these districts, candidates may carry out project work.
How useful is this scheme?
A practical look at this scheme for citizens
AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.
- Accessibility7.0
- Financial impact5.0
- Rural utility4.0
- Awareness8.5
- Simplicity6.0
- Inclusivity6.0
What problem does this scheme solve?
The PM-DAKSH scheme aims to empower marginalized groups through skill development and training, enhancing employability and income prospects.
Key challenges addressed
- Skill enhancement for marginalized communities
- Improved employment opportunities
Most beneficial for
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Waste Pickers
- Sanitation Workers
Likely challenges
- Digital literacy barriers
- Awareness of the scheme
- Access to online registration
Practical insights for citizens
Practical for those with access to digital resources and training centers
Rural challenges
- Limited internet access
- Lack of awareness about the scheme
Digital challenges
- Dependence on digital platforms for registration
- Need for digital literacy
Implementation bottlenecks
- Inconsistent outreach in rural areas
- Potential delays in training availability
Awareness challenges
- Low awareness among target beneficiaries
- Need for community engagement
Application analysis
- Application mode
- Online portal
- Documents burden
- Minimal, requires Aadhaar and bank account
- Verification complexity
- Moderate, involves e-KYC
- Office dependency
- Low, primarily online
- DBT dependency
- None
- CSC support
- Limited
- Estimated citizen effort
- Moderate, requires online registration and attendance
Estimated beneficiary reach
Benefit analysis
- Benefit type
- Composite
- Benefit frequency
- One-time training with potential for ongoing support
- Benefit practicality
- High, as training is free and stipends are provided
- Financial meaningfulness
- Moderate, as stipends provide some income support
- Long-term impact
- Potentially significant, improving employability and income
Plain-language guidance
PM-DAKSH helps marginalized individuals gain skills for better job opportunities through free training and stipends. Registration is online and requires basic documents.
- Who should apply
- Individuals aged 18-45 from SC, OBC, EWS, DNT, or Waste Picker backgrounds.
- Who may struggle
- Those with limited digital skills or access to the internet.
- Best application route
- Apply via the Skill India Digital Hub with Aadhaar.
This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.
Application Process
Online
Step 1: Visit the website of Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). On top-right side, click on the "Register" button.
Step 2: Choose "Learner/Participant" in next page.
Step 3: Enter your mobile number. Click on "Continue".
Step 4: Validate the OTP and set a password.
Step 5: After login, validate your profile through e-KYC to complete the registration process.
Clarifications
Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).
- What is the main objective of PM-DAKSH Yojana?
The main objective of the PM-DAKSH Yojana is to increase the skill levels of the target youth by providing them short term and long term skills, followed by assistance in wage/self-employment. Besides above, the skill levels of artisans would be enhanced through Upskilling/Reskilling programmes and enable them to increase their incomes within their practicing vocations.
- Who is eligible for the PM-DAKSH Yojana?
Eligibility for the PM-DAKSH Yojana includes Indian citizens aged 18-45 years from SC, OBC, EWS, DNT, Safai Mitras, or Waste Pickers groups. OBC and EWS candidates must have a family income below Rs. 3 lakh, while there is no income limit for SC, DNT, or Safai Mitras/Waste Pickers.
- Who is the appropriate authority to issue Occupation Certificate for a Safai Karamachari or their dependants?
Local Revenue Officer/Local Municipal Officer/Cantonment Executive Officer/ Railway Officer, Head of the Govt. Departments (i.e. Schools, Colleges, Forest, Health, Education, Animal Husbandry) having rank not less than Gazetted Officer, Elected Members of Municipal Body, Pradhan of Gram Panchayats and Regional Managers of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)/Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
- What is the age criterion for Skill Development Training Programmes under PM-DAKSH Yojana?
Persons between the ages of 18-45 years are eligible for undergoing skill development training programs under PM-DAKSH Yojana.
- What types of Skill Development Training Programmes are available under PM-DAKSH Yojana?
There are following types of skill development training programmes under PM-DAKSH Yojana; (i) Up-skilling/Re-skilling, (ii) Short Term Training Programmes, (iii) Entrepreneurship Development Programmes.
- Whether a person can take training more than one time?
No. A person is eligible to undergo training under skill development training programme only once.
- Whether a person can participate in More than one Skill Training Programmes simultaneously?
No. A person is allowed to participate only in one skill development training program.
- How long is the training period?
The duration of the training varies; upskilling programs are approximately 35 hours, while short-term courses can be up to 1200 hours.
- How can one register for the PM-DAKSH Yojana?
Eligible individuals must register on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) for the PM-DAKSH Yojana.
- What is the minimum attendance required to be eligible for assessments?
Candidates must have at least 70% attendance to be eligible to appear in the assessments.
- Is there a provision for re-assessment?
Yes, every candidate will be offered one chance for re-assessment.
- Is there any cost for the re-assessment?
No, the re-assessment is free of cost.
Official links
References
- Scheme Guidelines
- https://socialjustice.gov.in/schemes/100
Apply
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the purpose of Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) is a government welfare initiative designed to support Individual, Individual through benefits related to Skills & Employment, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
- Who can apply for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Eligibility for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
- What benefits are offered under Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Benefits under Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
- Which department manages Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) is managed by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
- Can users apply online for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
- Is Aadhaar mandatory for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
- Where can users apply for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Applications for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
- What documents may be required for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
- Is income certificate required for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Income certificate requirements may vary depending on beneficiary category, subsidy eligibility, and financial assistance criteria defined under Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH).
- Is Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) a central government scheme?
- Yes, Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
- Can students apply for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Eligible students studying in recognised institutions may apply for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) depending on educational qualification, category, income limit, and academic eligibility.
- Is scholarship amount provided under Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) may provide scholarship assistance, tuition support, educational reimbursement, or financial aid for eligible students.
- Can CSC centres help users apply for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
- How can users check the latest updates for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
- Are there deadlines for applying to Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Some schemes may operate through fixed application windows, annual registration cycles, or department-specific deadlines depending on scheme implementation policies.
- Can beneficiaries track application status for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)?
- Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
- Where can users get help for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) in All India?
- Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
- Which nearby public services may help with Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) applications?
- Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.