Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Scheme

The Indian government has been making efforts to promote skill development and entrepreneurship among the youth of the country. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) was launched in 2015 with the aim of providing recognition for the skills and knowledge of the Indian youth. In august 2020, the scheme was renamed the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman scheme (PMVKS) in recognition of the contributions made by the Vishwakarma community to the field of skill development.

The scheme is a significant step taken by the Indian government to promote skill development and entrepreneurship among the youth of the country. In the latest union Budget 2023-24, the FM came up with a few new initiatives under this scheme. This article takes you through what exactly PMVKS is and its objectives.

Objectives of the Scheme

The scheme provides recognition, support, and job opportunities to the youth and is expected to play a significant role in the development of the Indian Economy. The objectives of the PMVKS scheme are:

• Providing recognition to the skills and knowledge of the Indian youth, thereby promoting a culture of skill development and entrepreneurship
• Encouraging the youth to pursue skill development and entrepreneurship and supporting them in their endeavour
• Lending support to the youth in setting up their own businesses, including access to loans, subsidies, and other financial incentives
• Creating job opportunities for the youth in various sectors of the economy through partnerships with Industry and government organisations
• To foster a culture of innovation and creativity among the youth and to promote the growth of new industries and businesses
• To contribute to the overall development of the Indian economy by providing a skilled and entrepreneurial workforce to support the growth of various sectors

Eligibility Criteria for PMVKS

The eligibility criteria for the PMVKS are designed to identify and reward skilled individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the field of skill development and entrepreneurship in India, such as:

• Indian Citizenship: The scheme is open to all Indian citizens

• Completion Of a Skill Development Program: The candidate must have completed a skill development program under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana or any other government-recognised skill development program. The skill development program must have been completed after August 1, 2020

Benefits Of the Scheme

The PMVKS scheme offers several benefits to skilled individuals who have undergone skill development programs and made a significant contribution to the field of skill development and entrepreneurship in India.

• Recognition of Skills and Knowledge: The PMVKS provides recognition of the skills and knowledge of the Indian youth through the award of certificates and financial incentives

• Support for Entrepreneurship: The scheme provides support to the youth in setting up their own businesses through the provision of loans, subsidies, and other financial incentives. The financial incentives provided under the PMVKS include loans and subsidies for setting up businesses and scholarships for pursuing further education and training. The amount of the incentives will depend on the candidate's educational qualifications, skill development programs completed, and achievements in the field of skill development and entrepreneurship

• Job Opportunities: The PMVKS creates job opportunities for the youth in various sectors of the economy through partnerships with industry and government organisations

• Boost to the Indian Economy: The PMVKS is expected to contribute to the overall development of the Indian economy by providing a skilled and entrepreneurial workforce to support the growth of various sectors

• Promotion of a Culture of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: The PMVKS fosters a culture of innovation and creativity among the youth and promotes the growth of new industries and businesses, thereby supporting the development of a vibrant and dynamic economy

Application Process

The application for the PMVKS can be submitted online through the official website of the scheme. The candidate must provide details of their educational qualifications and skill development programs completed. The below-mentioned steps will help you through the process:

• Visit the official website of the PMVKS at https://www.pmksy.gov.in/

• Interested candidates must register for the PMVKS by filling out the online application form on the official website. The form will require personal and educational information, as well as information on the skill development programs completed by the candidate

• The candidate will be required to upload supporting documents such as certificates, mark sheets, and other relevant documents to support their application

• Once the application is submitted, the candidate will need to wait for a decision on their application, which will be communicated through the official website

Selection Process for PMVKS

The applications received will be evaluated by a committee constituted by the government. The selected candidates will be awarded certificates and financial incentives in a formal ceremony. The selection process for the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Scheme is as follows:

• Initial Screening: The first step in the selection process is an initial screening of the applications received. The screening will be based on the eligibility criteria and the information provided in the application form

• Evaluation of Supporting Documents: The supporting documents uploaded by the candidate, such as certificates, mark sheets, and other relevant documents, will be evaluated to assess their eligibility for the scheme

• Assessment of Skill Development Programs: The skill development programs completed by the candidate will be assessed to determine their level of skill and knowledge

• Interview: Selected candidates may be required to attend an interview to further assess their eligibility for the PMVKS

• Final Decision: The final decision on the selection of candidates will be made by a committee constituted for the purpose of the ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship. The decision will be based on the results of the screening, evaluation of supporting documents, assessment of skill development programs, and the interview

• Award of Certificates and Financial Incentives: Successful candidates will be awarded certificates and financial incentives, as per the provisions of the PMVKS

Conclusion

In conclusion, the scheme provides a platform for skilled individuals to showcase their skills, knowledge, and achievements, and offers financial incentives in the form of loans, subsidies, and scholarships to support their entrepreneurship and further education and training. The PMVKS is an important step in promoting the importance of skills development and entrepreneurship in India and provides a valuable opportunity for skilled individuals to be recognised and rewarded for their contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a fee for applying for the PMVKS?

A: No, there is no fee for applying for the PMVKS.

2. How often is the PMVKS held?

A: The PMVKS is held annually, with the application window usually opening a few months prior to the award ceremony.

3. Can organisations or companies apply for the PMVKS?

A: No, the PMVKS is only open to individuals. Organisations or companies are not eligible to apply for the scheme. The PMVKS is focused on recognising the achievements of skilled individuals and their impact on the industry and community, rather than organisations or companies.

4. How long does the selection process for the PMVKS take?

A: The duration of the selection process for the PMVKS will vary based on the number of applicants, the complexity of the evaluations, and other factors. Typically, the selection process can take several months from the close of the application window to the announcement of the awardees.

The panel considers all relevant factors in determining the award recipients, including the candidate's contributions to the field of skill development and entrepreneurship, their impact on the industry and community, and their potential for future growth and development. The selection process is designed to ensure that the PMVKS recognises and rewards the most deserving individuals who have made a significant contribution to the field of skill development and entrepreneurship in India

5. What are the documentation requirements for the PMVKS application?

A: The documentation requirements for the PMVKS application include proof of completion of a recognised skill development program, achievements and recognition in the field of skill development and entrepreneurship, and any other supporting documents as specified in the application form.

6. Can international candidates or NRIs apply for the PMVKS?

A: No, international candidates or NRIs are not eligible to apply for this scheme, as PMVKS is only open to Indian citizens.