How has the Indian Government Invested Over Rs 493 Crore in NIELIT to Skill Youth?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Investment of Rs 493 crore in skilling activities through NIELIT.
- Training of over 43 lakh youth across India.
- 56 operational NIELIT Centers and 797 Accredited Training Partners.
- Exceeding digital literacy goals under PMGDISHA with 6.39 crore individuals trained.
- Focus on enhancing skills in electronics and IT for better job prospects.
New Delhi, July 31 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance skilling initiatives in India, the government has allocated over Rs 493 crore in the past five years for various skilling and related activities in electronics and information technology, as revealed by Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, during a parliamentary session.
In his written statement to the Lok Sabha, Prasada noted that over 43 lakh youth have been equipped with skills nationwide under the auspices of NIELIT.
NIELIT functions as an autonomous scientific society operating under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
“Since the fiscal year of 2020-21, a total of more than Rs 493 crore has been allocated for NIELIT, with the peak allocation occurring in 2024-25, amounting to Rs 1,53,08,52,398,” Prasada stated.
He further highlighted that Rs 1,45,38,07,249 was allocated in 2023-24.
The Minister also mentioned that there are currently 56 operational NIELIT Centers.
Additionally, NIELIT has partnered with 797 Accredited Training Partners (ATPs) and boasts 9,275 affiliated facilitation centers across India.
“NIELIT has successfully trained a total of 43,60,759 candidates,” Prasada added, emphasizing the diverse range of degree/diploma and skill-based courses (both long-term and short-term) offered.
In a related initiative, the government has exceeded its digital literacy objectives under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA). This program has successfully imparted digital literacy to 6.39 crore individuals from 2017 to 2024, surpassing its initial target of 6 crore. It aims to enhance smartphone adoption, internet access, and digital participation in rural communities.
Participants from rural households have learned skills such as sending messages and attaching files on mobile devices.
Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of beneficiaries, totaling 1.45 crore, followed by Bihar (74.12 lakh), Maharashtra (53.23 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (50.69 lakh), and Rajasthan (39.70 lakh).
The beneficiaries under the DISHA scheme also encompass field-level government personnel, including Anganwadi and ASHA workers, along with authorized ration dealers.