New Delhi: In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and the government’s commitment to women-led development, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will launch a joint pilot initiative for skilling adolescent girls, NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls), on 24 June 2025 in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.
The programme will be jointly launched by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Savitri Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development.
NAVYA is designed to equip adolescent girls aged 16–18 years, with at least a Class 10 qualification, with vocational training focused mainly on non-traditional job roles. The pilot will be implemented in 27 districts across 19 states, including Aspirational Districts and districts in the North-eastern region, reflecting the government’s approach to reaching underserved areas and vulnerable populations.
As part of the launch, both ministries will formalise their collaboration to strengthen skilling efforts for adolescent girls. The programme will draw upon the strengths of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and other flagship skill development schemes.
The launch event will include interactions with adolescent girl trainees and the distribution of certificates under PMKVY and the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman Yojana (PM Vishwakarma).
Through NAVYA, the Government of India reaffirms its commitment to empowering girls with skills, confidence, and opportunities, ensuring that every young woman contributes to India’s journey towards a developed, self-reliant, and inclusive future.
BI Bureau
