The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), in partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), launched the ‘NAVYA’ initiative in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. This transformative skilling programme is part of the government’s Viksit Bharat@2047 vision and aims to empower adolescent girls aged 16–18 with industry-relevant vocational skills.
‘NAVYA’—Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls—was jointly launched by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, MoS (Independent Charge), MSDE, and Smt. Savitri Thakur, MoS, MWCD. The programme targets girls in Aspirational and tribal districts and is being rolled out initially in 27 districts across 19 states.
Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that NAVYA is about much more than jobs; it’s about instilling confidence, independence, and entrepreneurial ambition in India’s young women. Selected girls will undergo short-term training under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), potentially enabling them to launch their own ventures.
Smt. Savitri Thakur stated that NAVYA represents a major step forward in making India’s daughters self-reliant and skilled for the future. She added that the initiative will pave the way for a dignified and independent life for adolescent girls.
In the pilot phase, training centers will offer tailored vocational courses in fields such as graphic design, telecom services, smartphone and drone assembly, financial services, solar PV and CCTV installation, and hand embroidery. The programme leverages existing flagship schemes like PMKVY and PM Vishwakarma Yojana for implementation.
The launch event featured virtual participation from girls nationwide, certificate distribution to successful trainees, and testimonials from skill development beneficiaries. The atmosphere was charged with hope and inspiration.
With NAVYA, the Government of India renews its commitment to inclusive development—ensuring that every girl, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.
Source: PIB
