The Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Scheme is a central sector initiative launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in the financial year 2020-21. Its primary objective is to enhance the skills and competencies of marginalized communities, thereby improving their employability and income prospects.
In this blog, we have provided all the details of the PM DAKSH Scheme, its features, questions based on the scheme, and more.
When was the PM-DAKSH Scheme Launched?
The PM-DAKSH Yojana was officially launched in the financial year 2020-21. To facilitate easy access to the scheme’s benefits, the PM-DAKSH Portal and Mobile App were launched on 7th August 2021 by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, at the Nalanda Auditorium, Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, Delhi.
Why was the PM-DAKSH Scheme Launched?
The scheme was introduced to address the socio-economic challenges faced by underprivileged groups such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs), Denotified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis. By providing skill development opportunities, the government aims to empower these communities and promote inclusive growth.
What are the Key Features of the PM-DAKSH Scheme?
The key features of the PM DAKSH scheme are as follows:
| Feature | Details |
| 1. Targeted Skill Development Programs | – Short-Term Training: Specific skills for employability – Up-Skilling/Reskilling: Enhance existing skills – Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDPs): Foster entrepreneurial skills – Long-Term Training Programs: Comprehensive knowledge and skills |
| 2. Implementation Through Empaneled Institutes | Training delivered via 28 government and 84 private empaneled institutes (2023-24) |
| 3. Certification and Placement Support | Certification aligned with NSQF; post-training placement assistance provided |
What are the Objectives of the PM-DAKSH Scheme?
The primary objectives of the PM-DAKSH Scheme are:
- Enhancing Employability: Providing skill development training to make beneficiaries employable in both wage and self-employment sectors.
- Economic Empowerment: Improving the income prospects of marginalized communities through skill enhancement.
- Promoting Entrepreneurship: Encouraging entrepreneurial activities among the target groups by providing necessary training and support.
What are the Benefits of the PM-DAKSH Scheme?
The PM-DAKSH Scheme offers several benefits to its beneficiaries:
- Access to Information: The PM-DAKSH Portal and Mobile App make information about the scheme easily accessible.
- Skill Enhancement: Provides training to enhance the skills of marginalized communities.
- Economic Upliftment: Improves the economic status of beneficiaries through skill development.
- Entrepreneurship Opportunities: Encourages self-employment and entrepreneurship among the target groups.
Who are the Target Beneficiaries?
The scheme targets the following groups:
- Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWSs)
- De-notified Tribes (DNTs)
- Safai Karamcharis (Sanitation Workers)
- Waste Pickers
- Transgender Individuals
Who are Eligible for the PM-DAKSH Scheme?
Eligibility criteria for the scheme are as follows:
- Age: 18 to 45 years.
- Income Criteria: No income limit for SCs, DNTs, and Safai Karamcharis; annual family income must be below ₹3 lakh for OBCs and EWSs.
- Residency: Indian nationals with valid proof of nationality.
- Aadhaar: Possession of a valid Aadhaar card and an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Registration: Must register on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).
What are the Financial Provisions of the Scheme?
The PM-DAKSH Scheme has been allocated a total budget of ₹450 crore for the period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. For the financial year 2025-26, a budget of ₹130 crore has been earmarked.
What are the Achievements of the PM-DAKSH Scheme?
As of August 2025, the scheme has trained a total of 1,87,305 individuals, out of which 73,102 beneficiaries (39%) have secured employment or engaged in self-employment.
What Types of Training Programs are Offered?
The PM-DAKSH Scheme offers various training programs:
- Up-skilling/Re-skilling under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Designed for individuals with existing skills but lacking formal certification.
- Short-Term Courses: Focused on wage and self-employment opportunities, such as tailoring, food processing, and beautician services.
- Entrepreneurial Development Programmes (EDP): Aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among the target groups.
What is the Implementation Structure?
The PM-DAKSH Scheme is implemented through:
- Implementing Agencies: National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
- Training Providers: Government and private training institutes empanelled to deliver training programs.
The PM-DAKSH Scheme is a significant step towards empowering marginalized communities through skill development. By providing free training, stipends, and placement support, the scheme aims to enhance employability and promote entrepreneurship, leading to inclusive socio-economic growth. For government job aspirants, understanding the details of this scheme is crucial, as it reflects the government’s commitment to social welfare and skill development.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Year | 2020-21 |
| Portal & App Launch | August 7, 2021 |
| Target Groups | SCs, OBCs, EWSs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis, Waste Pickers, Transgenders |
| Training Types | Up-skilling/Re-skilling, Short-Term Courses, EDP |
| Stipend | ₹500 to ₹1,500 per month during training |
| Certification | Aligned with National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) |
| Placement Assistance | Provided post-training |
| Funding Agency | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment |
| Implementing Agencies | NSFDC, NBCFDC, NSKFDC |
| Online Platforms | PM-DAKSH Portal, UMANG App |
Questions Asked in the Government Exams Based on PM DAKSH Scheme
1.When was the PM-DAKSH Scheme launched?
a) 2018-19
b) 2019-20
c) 2020-21
d) 2021-22
e) 2022-23
Answer: c) 2020-21
2. On which date were the PM-DAKSH Portal and Mobile App launched?
a) 1 Jan 2021
b) 7 Aug 2021
c) 15 Aug 2021
d) 2 Oct 2021
e) 31 Dec 2021
Answer: b) 7 Aug 2021
3. Which ministry implements the PM-DAKSH Scheme?
a) Ministry of Labour & Employment
b) Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
c) Ministry of Education
d) Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
e) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: b) Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
4. Who are the primary target beneficiaries of the scheme?
a) General category
b) SCs, OBCs, EWSs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis, Waste Pickers
c) Government employees
d) Private sector employees
e) All citizens
Answer: b) SCs, OBCs, EWSs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis, Waste Pickers
5. What is the age eligibility for PM-DAKSH beneficiaries?
a) 16-40 years
b) 18-45 years
c) 18-50 years
d) 20-45 years
e) 21-50 years
Answer: b) 18-45 years
6. Which of the following has NO income limit under the scheme?
a) OBCs
b) EWSs
c) SCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis
d) EWS dependents
e) All of the above
Answer: c) SCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis
7. What type of training programs are included under PM-DAKSH?
a) Short-Term Training Programs
b) Up-Skilling/Reskilling Programs
c) Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDPs)
d) Long-Term Training Programs
e) All of the above
Answer: e) All of the above
8. Which framework is used for certification under PM-DAKSH?
a) ISO Standards
b) National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)
c) NCERT Guidelines
d) National Apprenticeship Scheme
e) Skill India Framework
Answer: b) National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF)
9. What is the stipend for SC candidates in non-residential short-term training?
a) ₹500 per month
b) ₹1,000 per month
c) ₹1,500 per month
d) ₹2,000 per month
e) No stipend
Answer: c) ₹1,500 per month
10. Which implementing agencies manage the PM-DAKSH Scheme?
a) NSFDC, NBCFDC, NSKFDC
b) NIESBUD, IIE, NSDC
c) MSME, SIDBI, NABARD
d) NSDC, SSCs, NSIC
e) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: a) NSFDC, NBCFDC, NSKFDC
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