In a landmark move towards women-led development under the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, the central government has launched ‘NAVYA – Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls’, a pioneering initiative to equip India’s young women with skill-based training for future employment.
The launch ceremony, held in Sonbhadra today, was graced by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development. Together, they inaugurated this pilot project designed to uplift girls aged 16-18 years, especially those from underprivileged and rural backgrounds who have completed at least Class 10.
Opening Doors to Non-Traditional Careers
Unlike conventional skill programs, NAVYA focuses on breaking gender stereotypes by offering training in non-traditional job roles such as digital services, electronics repair, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. This approach aims to bridge the gender gap in emerging economic sectors.
The pilot will roll out across 27 districts in 19 states, prioritizing aspirational and North-Eastern regions to ensure no community is left behind. The plan reflects the government’s broader strategy to make development inclusive and far-reaching.
Skill India Meets Women Empowerment
A unique collabSkill India Meets Women Empowermentoration between the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the programme will leverage national schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma Yojana to ensure high-quality, industry-relevant skill training.
At the launch, girl participants received certificates and shared their aspirations, symbolising the programme’s potential to shape India’s next generation of confident, employable young women.
Towards a Self-Reliant and Inclusive India
With NAVYA, the government envisions creating a generation of skilled, self-reliant girls ready to contribute to India’s socio-economic growth. By focusing on vocational education, confidence building, and entrepreneurial skills, the programme is set to transform dreams into reality for thousands of young women across the nation.
