SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir received Rs 5.14 crore under three major skill development schemes during 2025-26, while Ladakh received Rs 39 lakh, according to data placed by the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in the Rajya Sabha.
The figures, released in response to Unstarred Question No. 1242 answered on July 29, show that JK received Rs 3.49 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Rs 63 lakh under the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme and Rs 1.02 crore under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
Ladakh received Rs 38 lakh under JSS and Rs 1 lakh under NAPS, while no PMKVY funds were listed for the Union Territory in the annexure.
The Ministry clarified that PMKVY 4.0 is a demand-driven scheme and does not provide direct fund allocations to States and Union Territories. Instead, funds are released to implementing agencies to meet training costs based on pre-approved parameters. Under JSS, funds are released directly to NGOs, while NAPS provides stipend support of up to Rs 1,500 per month to apprentices through Direct Benefit Transfer.
At the national level, the Government said the Skill India Mission provides skilling, reskilling and upskilling through PMKVY, JSS, NAPS and the Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through ITIs.
Under PMKVY 4.0, training is being offered in emerging fields including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, Internet of Things, cloud computing, cyber security, drone technology, green hydrogen, electric vehicles, semiconductor technology, robotics, augmented and virtual reality and 5G networks.
The Ministry said JSS offers training in 83 National Skills Qualification Framework-compliant job roles across 24 sectors, including about 28 new-age roles at Levels 2 to 4. NAPS currently covers more than 750 optional trades and 266 designated trades, while CTS provides training in 32 new-age courses, including artificial intelligence, industrial robotics and climate-friendly technologies.
The Government said 36 Sector Skill Councils, led by industry representatives, conduct skill-gap studies to identify sectoral requirements and determine competency standards. Studies have been undertaken in areas including artificial intelligence and big data analytics, green energy, electronics and logistics.
The Ministry also cited 10,209 qualifications approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, of which 2,975 were described as valid and active, as part of efforts to align training with industry requirements.
Other measures include industry-linked training, apprenticeship programmes, job fairs and career counselling, as well as partnerships involving IT companies such as IBM, Cisco, Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.
The Government said it has also introduced the PM-SETU scheme, with an investment of Rs 60,000 crore, to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs through a hub-and-spoke model comprising 200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs.
The Ministry said the scheme is aimed at improving employability through industry-led governance, practical exposure, career guidance, placement support and assistance for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
It further said the Skill India Digital Hub integrates skilling, education, employment and entrepreneurship services, allowing candidates to access job and apprenticeship opportunities and enabling potential employers to connect with trained candidates.
