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Context
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has strongly criticized the government for the excessive delays and budgetary discrepancies in the implementation of the Ministry of Skill Development's flagship 'SANKALP' scheme.
Key Highlights of Current News
- PAC's Comment: The committee has termed the implementation of the scheme as "lackadaisical."
- Financial Sluggishness: According to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), only 44% of the total budgetary provision could be spent between 2017 and 2023.
- Underutilization of Funds: Against ₹1,606.15 crore disbursed by the World Bank, the Ministry was able to utilize only ₹850.71 crore.
- Lack of Monitoring: The report highlights the absence of a central monitoring mechanism for the scheme and serious lapses in administrative preparedness.
- Timeline: The original completion period of the scheme was March 2023, which was extended to March 2024, yet the targets remain incomplete.
SANKALP Scheme: Detailed Facts and Information
- Full Name: Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP).
- Launch Date: It was officially started on January 19, 2018 (approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in October 2017).
- Ministry: This is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- Financing: This scheme is supported by a loan from the World Bank. It has a total outlay of ₹4,455 crore, which includes a ₹3,300 crore loan from the World Bank.
- Objectives:
- To improve the quality of skill training and align it with market demand.
- To strengthen institutional mechanisms and decentralize skill planning at the district level.
- To connect marginalized communities such as women, SC/ST, and persons with disabilities with skill development.
- Key Provisions:
- Empowering District Skill Committees (DSCs).
- Increasing engagement with the private sector and industries.
- Ensuring the quality of training and assessment of trainers.
- Building a skill ecosystem at the national and state levels.
Conclusion
The 'SANKALP' scheme is a revolutionary step for skill development and employment generation in India, but its success depends on its effective implementation and financial transparency. Only if administrative preparedness and monitoring mechanisms are strengthened will this scheme be able to achieve its set socio-economic goals.