UPSC Prelims 2018 Q78: Current Affairs – Indian Government Schemes & Initiatives
- (a) 1 and 3 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
PMKVY is India's flagship skill training scheme launched in 2015 to enable large numbers of Indian youth to take up industry-relevant skill training.
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PMKVY is a flagship scheme of Ministry of Labour and Employment | FALSE | PMKVY is administered by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), established as a separate ministry in 2014, NOT the Ministry of Labour and Employment. |
| 2 | PMKVY imparts training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy | TRUE | Under PMKVY 2.0/3.0/4.0, training includes both core technical modules AND cross-cutting modules on soft skills, financial literacy, digital literacy, entrepreneurship. |
| 3 | Aims to align unregulated workforce with National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) | TRUE | Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component, PMKVY certifies existing unregulated workforce (like construction workers) against NSQF competency levels. |
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong - PMKVY is under MSDE (Skill Development), not Labour Ministry.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 3 (RPL alignment with NSQF) is also true.
- (c) CORRECT. Statements 2 (soft skills + entrepreneurship + financial + digital literacy) and 3 (RPL with NSQF alignment) are right; Statement 1 misidentifies the ministry.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 misidentifies the administering ministry.
Key point
PMKVY = flagship scheme of MSDE (not Labour Ministry). Implemented by NSDC. Two tracks: Short Term Training (STT) for fresh candidates + Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for existing workforce, aligned to NSQF. Includes soft skills, digital and financial literacy modules.
Remember
PMKVY is the flagship skill training scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), not the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It imparts training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy alongside core technical training. Through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) component, it aligns India's unregulated workforce with the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).
Common mistakes
- Confusing MSDE (skill training) with Ministry of Labour and Employment (labour laws, EPFO, ESIC).
- Missing RPL - a major component certifying existing unregulated workers (construction, textiles) at NSQF levels.
- Assuming PMKVY only provides technical skills - it also has soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital literacy modules.
Exam tip
Skill ecosystem: MSDE (parent ministry, 2014). NSDC (implementer PPP). NCVET (regulator). SSCs (Sector Skill Councils, standards). PMKVY (flagship scheme). NSQF (5-level qualification framework).
Sources
- MSDE - PMKVY 4.0 Scheme Guidelines
- NSDC - Annual Report on Skill Development