Lok Sabha Question No. 1228 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-11
Subject: Digital Ecosystem
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Raghu Ramakrishna Raju Kanumuru

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO-1228

ANSWERED ON- 11/12/2023

## DIGITAL ECOSYSTEM

1228   SHRI KANUMURU RAGHU RAMA KRISHNA RAJU:

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

- (a)      whether the Government is taking steps towards expansion of the digital ecosystem for enabling  demand-based  formal  skilling,  linking  with  employers  including  Micro,  Small  and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and facilitating access to entrepreneurship schemes; and
- (b)       if so, the details thereof and the progress made along with the funds sanctioned/ utilized till date?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR)

- (a)      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 & industry ready 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.

The  platform is designed to encompass all training programs implemented by various Ministries  /  Departments  of  the  Central  Government  and  State  Governments.  By  integrating government training programs, the platform endeavors to create a unified and centralized hub for skill development initiatives.

(b)  Skill India Digital aims to serve as one of the most important DPIs for the youth. It is at the intersection of two of the most important components 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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