PM-DAKSH Scheme

Category: Government Schemes & Social Justice | GS Paper II

SEO Title: PM-DAKSH Scheme: Objectives, Eligibility, Skill Training and Benefits for Marginalised Communities

UPSC Notes

PM-DAKSH stands for Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi. It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2020–21 to improve the employability and income opportunities of disadvantaged groups.

  • Nodal ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

  • Target groups: Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), De-notified Tribes (DNTs) and sanitation workers, including waste pickers.

  • Objectives: Improve employable skills, encourage entrepreneurship and support wage or self-employment.

  • Training types: Short-term training, upskilling/reskilling and entrepreneurship development.

  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Helps eligible workers improve and certify existing skills.

  • Training cost: Training is provided free to eligible beneficiaries.

  • Eligibility: Generally 18–45 years; OBC and EWS candidates are subject to an annual family income limit below ₹3 lakh, while the cited scheme guidance provides no income ceiling for SC, DNT and Safai Mitra categories.

Key Pointers

  • Launch: 2020–21.

  • Ministry: Social Justice and Empowerment.

  • Focus: Skills, employability and economic empowerment.

  • Distinguish it from general skill schemes that do not specifically target these groups.