Athena Infonomics conducted a third-party impact assessment of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), commissioned by the Government of India's National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). PMKVY is a skill certification scheme that aims to enable a large number of Indian youths to take up industry-relevant skill training, helping them to enter the formal sector and secure better livelihoods. Individuals with prior learning experience or skills will be assessed and receive Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification.

Athena assessed seven of these RPL projects—covering eleven sectors, including agriculture, handcrafts, textiles, plumbing, furniture and fittings, tourism, management and professional, mining, and iron and steel—and produced a study that considered the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, sustainability, and equity of the projects. To conduct this assessment, Athena utilised quantitative data collected from 34,552 beneficiaries across the various states of India, and qualitative data from stakeholders such as NSDC, the Sector Skill Council (SSC), project implementing agencies (PIAs), assessment agencies, and others. The study can be used by NSDC to course-correct, if needed, for upcoming RPL projects.

For more information or any questions on this evaluation, please contact Sairam Muthuswamy at sairam.m@athenainfonomics.com.‍

Image source: NIET Greater Noida