India’s development depends not only on industrial growth but also on ensuring that every citizen has access to skills and livelihoods. To make this possible, the Government of India has introduced several training and upskilling programs. One of the most impactful initiatives is the Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana, a centrally funded scheme designed to empower disadvantaged and underserved communities through free skill development, employment assistance, and entrepreneurship training.
The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India and aims to ensure that the most vulnerable sections of society become job-ready, financially independent, and self-reliant.
This article explains the scheme in detail — objectives, training modules, eligibility, registration process, benefits, job prospects, implementation, challenges, and future vision.
🌟 What Is the PM-DAKSH Scheme?
The Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) is a national initiative that offers free vocational training, skill development courses, and entrepreneurship support to socially and economically marginalized communities.
🔗 Official Website: https://pmdaksh.dosje.gov.in
🔗 Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment: https://socialjustice.gov.in
🎯 Key Objectives of PM-DAKSH
- Provide skill and entrepreneurship training to marginalized groups for better livelihoods
- Prepare youth for wage employment and self-employment
- Promote income generation through industry-relevant training
- Bridge the gap between industrial demand and skill availability
- Support Digital India, Skill India, Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives
👥 Who Can Benefit? (Target Groups)
| Target Group | Eligibility |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | Must belong to SC category |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | Annual family income below ₹3 lakh |
| Economically Backward Classes (EWS) | Annual income below ₹1 lakh |
| De-Notified, Nomadic & Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) | Members of DNT communities |
| Safai Karamchari / Waste Picker Families | Individuals or dependents |
The scheme prioritizes youth and women to promote equal workforce participation.
🧭 Training Categories Offered Under PM-DAKSH
Training programs are aligned with current job market requirements. Courses are grouped into four categories:
1️⃣ Up-Skilling / Re-Skilling Programs
For people already working who want to upgrade skills.
Examples:
Plumbing, automobile repair, electrical work, construction, beauty and wellness.
2️⃣ Short-Term Job-Oriented Skill Training
For unemployed youth seeking job placements.
Examples:
Computer operations, digital marketing, hospitality & tourism, retail management, banking & financial services, industrial training.
3️⃣ Entrepreneurship Development Programs
For beneficiaries planning to start or expand a small business.
Modules include business planning, micro-enterprise setup, sales & credit knowledge, GST & marketing.
4️⃣ Long-Term Skill Development
Industry-certified programs delivered through technical institutes.
Fields include CNC operations, garment technology, electrical & mechanical trades, medical lab technician, IT & cloud technology.
🧾 Benefits of the PM-DAKSH Training Program
The scheme removes barriers to professional training.
Major Benefits
✔ 100% Free Training — no course fee
✔ Government / NSDC-certified training partners
✔ Course duration: 1 month to 12 months depending on field
✔ Study material & toolkits included
✔ Stipend for eligible trainees
✔ Placement/self-employment support
✔ Certificate upon completion
After Training, Trainees Gain:
- Higher job opportunities
- Skill-based professional identity
- Increased monthly earnings
- Economic security for families
- Social and financial inclusion
🧠 Why PM-DAKSH Is Important
Certain sections of society have historically lacked access to training due to poverty, social discrimination, or remote location. This led to:
- Very limited job opportunities
- Dependence on low-wage labour
- Exclusion from the digital workforce
PM-DAKSH addresses these challenges by ensuring:
🔹 Free training for all eligible beneficiaries
🔹 Courses based on present and future industrial demand
🔹 Higher participation of women and youth
🔹 Reduction in labour migration
🔹 Inclusion of marginalized groups into the skilled economy
It ensures no one is left behind in India’s economic progress.
🖥️ How to Register for PM-DAKSH Training
📌 Online Registration
1️⃣ Visit the official portal → https://pmdaksh.dosje.gov.in
2️⃣ Click Candidate Registration / Login
3️⃣ Fill required details (name, category, documents, ID proof, income)
4️⃣ Choose a preferred course and training centre
5️⃣ Submit and wait for verification
✳ Offline Registration Options
- District welfare offices
- Skill training institutes
- PM-DAKSH campaign centres
- Ministry-linked NGOs
Once selected, candidates receive course details through SMS or phone call.
💼 Career Opportunities After PM-DAKSH Training
✔ Job Roles
Industries actively hiring PM-DAKSH trainees include:
- Hospitality & tourism
- IT & business services
- Banking & microfinance
- Retail & CSR support
- Construction / plumbing / electrical sectors
- Manufacturing & fabrication
- Healthcare & lab technician services
✔ Self-Employment Opportunities
- Beauty parlours & salons
- Tailoring & boutique businesses
- Mobile & computer repair units
- Plumbing / electrical service units
- Grocery / retail shops
- Food & catering services
The scheme supports sustainable and long-term income generation.
🏢 Implementation of the Scheme
The scheme is executed through the following organizations under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment:
- National Scheduled Castes Finance & Development Corporation (NSFDC)
- National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)
- National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC)
Training partners include:
- Government training institutes
- Industrial Training Institutes (ITI)
- NSDC-approved skill centres
- Accredited universities and colleges
A central MIS dashboard monitors training quality, student progress, placement and completion.
📊 Impact of PM-DAKSH Across India
So far, the scheme has resulted in:
🔹 Employment for thousands of youth
🔹 Higher participation of women in income-generating activities
🔹 Workforce movement from manual labour to skill-based jobs
🔹 Expansion of digital and entrepreneurship culture
🔹 Increased small-business activity in rural and semi-urban areas
The program bridges the gap between skilled and unskilled communities.
⚠️ Challenges & Suggested Improvements
| Current Challenges | Possible Solutions |
| Lack of awareness in rural areas | Strengthen outreach campaigns |
| Gender barriers in some regions | Women-exclusive training batches |
| Digital literacy gap | More offline help desks |
| Distance to training centres | Establish district training hubs |
| Pressure to secure jobs quickly | Stronger placement support |
Continuous modifications will amplify program impact.
🔮 Future Vision for the PM-DAKSH Yojana
The long-term development roadmap includes:
✨ Courses in high-growth digital sectors — AI, Cloud, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity
✨ Partnerships with major corporate employers for better placements
✨ Skill Councils for every major industry
✨ Linking students to Mudra Loans for business startup
✨ More village-level training centres for larger coverage
Vision: A skilled India powered by opportunity, equality, and economic empowerment.
⭐ Conclusion
The PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi) Yojana is not just a training program — it is a mission to:
🔹 Empower disadvantaged communities
🔹 Create employment & entrepreneurship opportunities
🔹 Build an inclusive skilled workforce
🔹 Strengthen India’s economic growth
By providing free, industry-relevant skill development, the scheme gives India’s underserved communities the confidence and financial independence needed for a better future. PM-DAKSH is a major force in achieving an Atmanirbhar Bharat, where skill development becomes the path to prosperity.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is PM-DAKSH training really free?
Yes. All eligible candidates receive free training.
2. What is the minimum age limit?
Generally 18 years and above, depending on course rules.
3. Do candidates receive certificates?
Yes. A Govt-recognized certificate is issued after completion.
4. Does the scheme guarantee a job?
Placement support is provided, but selection depends on job performance and employer criteria.
5. Can women and persons with disabilities apply?
Absolutely. The program strongly supports women, PwD candidates, and youth from low-income families.