How is the Skill Development Institute Empowering Andhra Pradesh Youth under PMKVY?

Visakhapatnam, June 11 (NationPress) The Skill Development Institute (SDI) in Visakhapatnam, functioning under the esteemed Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), has become a significant source of hope for the youth of Andhra Pradesh. By providing complimentary vocational training, top-notch infrastructure, and guaranteed placement support, the institute is changing lives, especially for individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance employability through skill training, the SDI has turned into a crucial resource for thousands of young aspirants in the region. Numerous students who have benefited from the training at the institute have expressed their deep appreciation for the opportunities offered.

"I completed my intermediate course and enrolled in the SDI to improve my skills," shared one eager student.

"The facilities here—like the canteen, hostel, and classrooms—are all completely free. This institute serves as a lifeline for uneducated and unemployed youth, particularly from low-income families. I'm grateful for this opportunity!"

Another student remarked: "I honed my communication skills here, and my aim is to land a good job to support my parents. This institute is paving the way for my dream."

Mohammad Zafar, a student from Visakhapatnam, recounted how he learned about the initiative.

"I heard about this from my seniors. The reviews on Google were remarkable. What intrigued me was that all services and training come at no cost. Initially, I was doubtful about the quality due to it being free, but my views changed entirely once I joined. The infrastructure, food, water, and especially the quality of training—everything is top-notch."

Anusha, another trainee, stated: "This course has significantly boosted my knowledge. As a mechanical engineering student, this training adds immense value to my specialization. Thanks to PM Modi, we’re receiving free courses and accommodation."

Devendra, who graduated from a leading engineering college, shared: "After graduation, I secured a position in Chennai, but my true passion lies in fire and safety. I couldn’t afford the fees for such courses, but upon discovering this free program, I jumped at the chance. Coming from a financially challenged background, I am sincerely grateful to PM Modi for this opportunity."

S.P. Chakradhar, who recently earned a BTech in mechanical engineering, mentioned he enrolled in a renewable energy course at the SDI.

"I have always been passionate about this field, and now I am receiving training at no cost. My gratitude goes to PM Modi."

Rupizita, another BTech graduate, echoed similar sentiments.

"I learned about the SDI from my seniors. The organization—from faculty to classrooms—is exceptionally well-structured. I’m acquiring essential soft skills like communication and presentation. This will undoubtedly aid my career, and I appreciate PM Modi for making this a reality."

The Skill Development Institute in Visakhapatnam is part of a broader national initiative under PMKVY, launched in 2015 to equip youth with skills relevant to the industry. The program aims to offer Short-Term Training (STT) and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certifications, making India’s workforce competitive on a global scale.

Following the success of PMKVY 1.0, which trained over 19 lakh candidates, PMKVY 2.0 was introduced in October 2016 with an ambitious goal to train one crore youth by 2020. By the conclusion of this phase, over 1.10 crore youth were trained.

Building on this success, PMKVY 3.0 was launched in January 2021 to train an additional 8 lakh youth. This phase introduced specialized programs like the Customised Crash Course Programme for COVID Warriors (CCCP-CW) and the Skill Hub Initiative (SHI), aligning vocational education with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under PMKVY 3.0, 7.37 lakh candidates were trained, including 1.20 lakh under CCCP-CW and 1.8 lakh under SHI.

The current phase, PMKVY 4.0, is being rolled out nationwide since FY 2022-2023, continuing the government’s commitment to empowering India’s youth through skill development. Placement opportunities for certified candidates have been a major focus, ensuring that training translates into real employment outcomes.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Visakhapatnam Skill Development Institute stands as a prime example of the scheme's positive impact. Recent data indicates that thousands across India have benefited from the STT and RPL categories, with hundreds successfully placed in meaningful jobs. In the neighboring state of Goa alone, 2,702 candidates were trained, with 481 achieving placements over the past five years.