The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) scheme trained over 1.87 lakh candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), De-notified Tribes (DNTs), and Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers between 2020-21 and 2023-24, according to a factsheet released by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 22 October 2026. Of these, 96,162 candidates received placement offers — a placement reach of roughly 51% of all trained beneficiaries.

Key Outcomes and Beneficiary Impact

An evaluation study of the scheme found strong relevance and learning effectiveness, with over 90% of beneficiaries reporting that training aligned with their career goals, local labour market needs, and intended learning outcomes. Impact results highlighted significant non-material gains — improved confidence, self-esteem, and social recognition — particularly among women and other marginalised groups. Sustainability outcomes were largely positive, with most beneficiaries continuing to use acquired skills, expecting long-term income growth, and reinvesting in their own development.

Financial Outlay and Expenditure

Against a total funds allocation of ₹276.47 crore for the period 2020-21 to 2023-24, actual expenditure incurred stood at ₹309.5 crore — exceeding the original budget. The scheme was implemented through three corporations under the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE): the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC), the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), and the National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC).

How the Scheme Worked

The DoSJE released funds to these three corporations, which in turn reimbursed training costs to institutes empanelled under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) — a scheme run by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Institutes were required to secure employment for at least 70% of trained candidates; failing this threshold, the third instalment — constituting 30% of the training cost — was forfeited. Training institutes were also mandated to maintain active industry collaborations to facilitate job placements. The three corporations additionally extended loan facilities and project handholding support to eligible youth within the target groups.

Merger with PMKVY from 2024-25

From 2024-25 onwards, the government decided to subsume PM-DAKSH into the PMKVY scheme. The factsheet noted that since PM-DAKSH was an additionality to PMKVY — drawing all job roles from the same Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal — a merger was warranted to eliminate duplication. The integration marks the end of PM-DAKSH as a standalone scheme, with its target beneficiaries now covered under the broader PMKVY framework. This consolidation reflects a wider government push to streamline overlapping skilling initiatives into a single, unified delivery architecture.