- The Government of India has launched the NAVYA Initiative (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational training for Young Adolescent Girls) as a joint effort of the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), with a strong focus on empowering adolescent girls (16–18 years) in aspirational districts.
- Addressing the Lok Sabha, the Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, highlighted that 3,850 young adolescent girls will be trained under the initiative as part of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0).
Objectives of NAVYA:
- Provide demand-driven vocational training aligned with both traditional and emerging sectors.
- Ensure holistic development with modules on health, nutrition, hygiene, financial literacy, digital competence, life skills, and legal awareness.
- Promote employment and self-employment opportunities through structured linkages like internships, apprenticeships, and placements.
- Build a gender-inclusive, safe, and supportive training ecosystem for adolescent girls.
- Bridge the gap between education and employability in underserved and remote areas.
Focus Areas:
- Girls will receive training in modern and non-traditional job roles including:
- Digital marketing
- Cybersecurity
- AI-enabled services
- Green jobs and other emerging sectors
- This initiative is seen as a strategic move to equip girls for the workforce of the future, thereby ensuring their socio-economic independence and contribution to national growth.