Lok Sabha Question No. 1139 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-02-10
Subject: Education/Training Programme to Empower Women
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Shri Ve Vaithilingam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1139

ANSWERED ON 10.02.2025

## EDUCATION/TRAINING PROGRAMME TO EMPOWER WOMEN

1139.  SHRI VE VAITHILINGAM:

Will  the  Minister  of  SKILL  DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  concurs  with  the  view  that  improved  access  to  education  and training  programmes  would  empower  women  with  the  skills  and  knowledge  necessary  to compete in traditionally male-dominated industries;
- (b) if so, the details of the initiatives proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (c): The Government of India is taking proactive steps to improve employability of the youth of  the  nation,  including women, through skill development. Under the Skill India Mission (SIM), the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) delivers skill, re-skill and up-skill training through an extensive network of skill development centres  under various schemes, viz. Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  (PMKVY),  Jan  Sikhshan  Sansthan  (JSS),  National Apprenticeship  Promotion  Scheme  (NAPS)  and  Craftsman  Training  Scheme  (CTS)  through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), to all the sections of the society including women, across the country. The SIM aims at enabling youth of India to get future ready and equipped with industry relevant skills.

To  encourage  participation  of  women  in  skill  development  programs,  special  provisions  have been made for meeting expenditure on conveyance and boarding & lodging as well as enhanced post  placement  support.  Further, PMKVY  4.0  prioritizes  and  provides  special  focus  to  projects that  emphasize  women as primary beneficiaries. Training  programs  in sectors  like Electronics, Retail, Healthcare, Beauty & Wellness, Handicrafts and Apparel are structured to attract higher participation from women.  Skill Hubs  and  Special  Projects actively  encourage  women's enrolment. Projects are designed to align with local skill demands, creating opportunities for rural women  to  participate  and  benefit  from  skill  development  schemes.  This  inclusive  approach ensures  significant  representation  and  benefit  for  women  in  skill  training  programs  across  the country. Under JSS Scheme, the focus is being given to women and other vulnerable sections. Women constitute more than 80% of beneficiaries under JSS.  Also, there are 19 National Skill Training  Institutes  (NSTI)  and more  than  300  ITIs exclusively  for  women. Government  of  India approved  30%  reservation  of  seats  for  women  candidates  in  all  ITIs  (Govt.  &  Private)  in  all courses  and  these  seats  could  be  filled  based  on  the  general  reservation  policy  of  each respective State/UTs.

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