Lok Sabha Question No. 415 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-02-05
Subject: Digital Ecosystem Skilling
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Raghu Ramakrishna Raju Kanumuru

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENREURSHIP

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO- 415

ANSWERED ON- 05.02.2024

## DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM SKILLING

- 415 SHRI KANUMURU RAGHU RAMA KRISHNA RAJU:

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken steps towards the digital ecosystem for skilling with the launch of a unified Skill India Digital platform for enabling demand-based formal skilling, linking with employers including MSMEs and facilitating access to entrepreneurship schemes; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the progress made along with the funds sanctioned/spent till date?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP (SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

(a and b) Under the Govt of India's 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/colleges/institutes  etc.  under  various  schemes,  viz. Pradhan  Mantri  Kaushal  Vikas  Yojana  (PMKVY),  Jan  Shikshan  Sansthan  (JSS),  National Apprenticeship  Promotion  Scheme  (NAPS)  and  Craftsman  Training  Scheme  (CTS)  through Industrial  Training  Institutes  (ITIs),  to  all  the  sections  of  the  society  across  the  country.  The SIM aims at enabling youth of India to get future ready, with industry relevant skills.

To  enable demand-based  skilling,  linking  with  employers  including Ministry  of  Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and facilitating access to entrepreneurship schemes, the  Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and  Entrepreneurship  (MSDE)  has  launched  Skill  India Digital (SID) platform, a comprehensive digital platform aimed at synergising and transforming the skills, education, employment, and entrepreneurship landscape of India.

- (b)  SID aims to serve as one of the most important Digital Public Infrastructures for the youth. It is at the intersection of two of the most important initiatives of the Government- Skill India & Digital India. SID has been launched as digital expansion of skilling opportunities and integrated platform that have digital job exchange between stakeholders. Its primary objective is to provide a comprehensive and accessible platform for skill enhancement, offering industry-

relevant skill courses, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship support. The SID platform and its  mobile  application  were  launched  on  13th  September  2023.  To  date,  an  amount  of  Rs. 167.62  crore  has  been  approved  for  development  of  SID  and  Rs.   69.52  crore  has  been disbursed. Skill India Digital currently consists of the following features:

1. Aadhar-Based  eKYC -  This  robust  verification  process  is  the  foundation  of  SID platform, ensuring that only genuine participants benefit from its offerings.
2. Mobile-First- The platform's mobile-first approach adapted to the modern era's reliance on smartphones ensures uninterrupted learning experiences through hand-held devices,  transforming  traditional  learning  methods  and  allowing  users  to  engage  with the platform's resources anytime and anywhere.
3. Discovery -  The platform enables users to find courses, schemes, apprenticeship and job opportunities based on preferences and aspirations.
4. Recommendation Engine - Leveraging the power of machine learning algorithms, the recommendation  engine  of  the  platform  provides  relevant  suggestions  for  enhancing their prospects of securing suitable employment
5. ChatbotSkill  India  Digital's  interactive  Chatbot  is  available  to  address  multiple  user inquiries.  Users  can  seek  guidance  on  a  range  of  topics  such  as  registration,  skill enhancement, apprenticeships, employment, entrepreneurship, skill loans, counseling, and mentorship.
6. Skill  India  Digital  MapSkill  India  Map  harnesses  the  power  of  Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to identify, locate, and engage with skill centres, employment opportunities, and apprenticeships.
7. Learning Management System -  It  facilitates  the  management, tracking, and delivery of course content, streamlines the learning process and enhances the overall learning experience.
8. Portable  Verified  CredentialsDigitally  Verified  Credentials  upon  the  successful completion  of  their  training  modules  act  as  a  mark  of  credibility,  embodying  four fundamental proofs: education, training, work experience, and reputation.  The use of SID puts users' credentials within reach of potential employers, with the prerequisite of the owner's consent. Employers can rely on these validated credentials.
9. Multi-lingualTo ensure inclusivity and reach a wider audience, SID can be accessed in multiple Indian languages. This approach breaks barriers, making valuable courses and learning resources accessible to a diverse population across India
10. Virtual  Instructor-Led  Training  (VILT)Converging technology  with  pedagogy,  VILT provides  features  of  Interactive  Live  Modules,  structured  scheduling  and  planning  of training sessions
11. Relevant  Tool  sets  and  features  for  Training  Partners,  Training  Centers,  Awarding Bodies, Assessment Agencies, etc.

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