COUNCIL FOR PROMOTION OF SOCIAL
JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT OF INDIA

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

The PM-DAKSH Yojana is a flagship skill development scheme launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, aimed at enhancing the employability and livelihood opportunities of persons from marginalized communities. The scheme focuses on providing high-quality skill training and entrepreneurship development for individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT).

The program aims to equip these target groups with industry-relevant skills, thereby promoting self-reliance, financial independence, and social empowerment through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Objectives

  • To improve the employability and income generation capacity of marginalized individuals through skill development

  • To provide access to vocational education, upskilling, reskilling, and entrepreneurship training

  • To reduce unemployment and underemployment among socially and economically disadvantaged communities

  • To support beneficiaries in securing wage employment, self-employment, or entrepreneurship opportunities

Target Beneficiaries

  • Scheduled Castes (SC)

  • Other Backward Classes (OBC)

  • Economically Backward Classes (EBC)

  • De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT)

  • Persons engaged in hazardous occupations such as manual scavenging

  • Priority given to women, persons with disabilities, and youth from rural/urban deprived communities

Types of Training Provided

  1. Upskilling / Reskilling

    • Short-term training for individuals already engaged in a particular trade, enhancing their skill levels to improve income potential

  2. Short-Term Training Programs

    • Vocational courses aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) in collaboration with NSDC partners

    • Duration ranges from 200 to 600 hours (2 to 6 months)

  3. Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDP)

    • Guidance on starting small businesses, managing finances, marketing, and accessing credit through government schemes

  4. Long-Term Training Programs

    • Focus on trades requiring deeper technical expertise (duration typically more than 6 months), conducted at institutions like ITIs, polytechnics, and training centers recognized by NCVT or NSQF

Benefits to Beneficiaries

  • Free-of-cost training, course material, and assessment

  • Stipend for eligible trainees to support participation (amount varies by training type and category)

  • Placement assistance through industry linkages

  • Post-training handholding for self-employment or wage employment

  • Certifications recognized under NSQF/NSDC

  • Financial literacy and digital literacy components included in training

How to Apply

  • Visit the official PM-DAKSH Portal: https://pmdaksh.dosje.gov.in/

  • Register online and fill out the application form

  • Select preferred training program and location from the available options

  • Submit required documents:

    • Identity proof (Aadhaar Card)

    • Caste certificate (if applicable)

    • Income certificate

    • Educational qualification certificates

  • Upon selection, receive confirmation from the Training Provider

Expected Outcomes

  • Enhanced employability and income generation for marginalized groups

  • Reduction in poverty and unemployment

  • Increased participation in formal sector jobs or successful self-employment ventures

  • Empowerment of women, youth, and vulnerable groups through skill enhancement