The Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana is a flagship skill development and livelihood enhancement initiative of the Government of India, designed to empower marginalized and economically vulnerable communities through structured training, employability enhancement, and entrepreneurship support. The scheme reflects the government’s commitment to integrating social justice with economic opportunity, enabling beneficiaries to achieve sustainable livelihoods and long-term self-reliance.

PM-DAKSH primarily targets individuals from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Denotified Tribes, Safai Karamcharis, and Economically Backward Classes. Many individuals from these communities face barriers such as limited access to quality education, skill training, and formal employment opportunities. The scheme addresses these challenges by creating inclusive pathways for skill acquisition and income generation.

A core component of PM-DAKSH is its comprehensive skill training framework, which includes both short-term and long-term training programs. These programs are designed to cater to varying educational backgrounds and skill levels, ranging from basic vocational training to advanced technical and professional skills. Training courses are aligned with current and emerging market demand, ensuring that beneficiaries acquire skills that are relevant, employable, and industry-recognized.

The scheme places strong emphasis on certification and quality assurance, enabling trainees to receive nationally recognized certifications upon completion of training. These certifications enhance credibility in the job market and improve access to wage employment across formal and informal sectors. Special focus is given to digital literacy, technical skills, and service-sector competencies, which are increasingly critical in a modern economy.

In addition to wage employment, PM-DAKSH actively promotes entrepreneurship and self-employment. Beneficiaries are provided with entrepreneurship development training, business mentoring, and guidance on accessing financial assistance, credit facilities, and government support schemes. This approach encourages individuals to start small businesses, cooperatives, or service enterprises, fostering local economic development and job creation.

PM-DAKSH also supports on-the-job training and placement assistance, working in collaboration with industry partners, training institutions, and employers. This ensures smoother transitions from training to employment and helps reduce skill-to-job mismatches. For Safai Karamcharis and workers seeking occupational mobility, the scheme provides alternative skill options to enable dignified and safer livelihood choices.

Beyond economic outcomes, PM-DAKSH contributes to social empowerment and dignity of labour. By equipping beneficiaries with market-relevant skills and income opportunities, the scheme helps break cycles of poverty, dependence, and occupational vulnerability. It also fosters confidence, social inclusion, and upward mobility among participants.

Overall, the PM-DAKSH Yojana aims to build a skilled, capable, and self-reliant workforce drawn from historically marginalized communities. By aligning skill development with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, the scheme plays a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth, economic resilience, and social equity across India.

Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana