Skill India Digital

• 18 Sep 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, launched Skill India Digital (SID).

• This comprehensive digital platform aspires to provide every Indian with access to quality skill development, relevant opportunities, and entrepreneurial support.

What is Skill India Digital?

• About:
  • Skill India Digital (SID) is envisioned as the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for skilling, education, employment, and entrepreneurship in India.
  • It aims to bring together various skilling initiatives and create a seamless ecosystem for skill development, aligning with the principles of the G20 framework for building DPIs.

Note: Digital public infrastructure refers to blocks or platforms such as digital identification, payment infrastructure and data exchange solutions that help countries deliver essential services to their people, empowering citizens and improving lives by enabling digital inclusion.

• Core Features of SID:
  • Comprehensive Skill Development: SID extends industry-relevant skill courses, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship support, ensuring comprehensive skill development.
  • Digital Transformation: With a focus on digital technology and Industry 4.0 skills, SID seeks to make skill development more innovative, accessible, and personalised.
  • Information Gateway: SID serves as a central information hub for all government skilling and entrepreneurship initiatives, facilitating easy access for citizens seeking career advancement and lifelong learning.
  • Intersection of Skill India and Digital India: SID intersects with the government's vision of Skill India and Digital India, creating opportunities for the youth.
• Key Elements Enhancing SID:
  • Aadhaar/AI-based Facial Authentication: Ensuring secure access and verification.
  • Digital Verifiable Credentials (DVC): Providing a tamper-proof, verifiable record of qualifications.
  • AI and ML Recommendations: Offering personalised learning paths and career guidance.
  • Citizen-Centric Approach: Ensuring inclusivity by supporting multiple Indian languages.
  • Interoperability: Promoting the integration of government training programs.

Note:

• SID has introduced Digitally Verified Credentials, revolutionising how qualifications are exhibited and recognized.
  • These tamper-proof credentials empower users to present their qualifications confidently in a digital format.
• Moreover, the platform integrates Digital CVs with personalised QR Codes, simplifying the sharing of skills and qualifications with potential employers and partners.

What are the Other Government Initiatives Related to Skill Development?

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
• SANKALP Scheme
• TEJAS Skilling Project

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018)

1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, and financial and digital literacy.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only 
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)