The Government of India launched ‘NAVYA’ – A New Skilling Initiative for Adolescent Girls Under Viksit Bharat@2047 in Sonbhadra, an aspirational district of Uttar Pradesh on 24 June 2025.
- This is a significant step towards empowering young girls and furthering the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
'NAVYA' Meaning:
‘NAVYA’ means “Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls”
Which Ministry launched it?
NAVYA is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
NAVYA programme was jointly launched by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Smt. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Objectives of NAVYA Programme:
- The NAVYA programme aims to provide vocational training to adolescent girls aged 16 to 18 years, primarily in non-traditional and emerging job roles. It is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls.
- ‘Navya’ aims to equip adolescent girls with not only vocational training but also a platform for self-respect, opportunities, and social participation.
Implementation of NAVYA Programme:
» NAVYA program is designed to train adolescent girls in vocational skills, making them self-sufficient, confident, and empowered.
- It will be implemented in 27 aspirational districts across 19 states, ensuring equal opportunities reach even the most marginalized regions, preparing the girls for future challenges.
- Currently, the initiative is being piloted in 9 districts across 9 states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh. These districts have been identified as aspirational by NITI Aayog.
Training Areas of NAVYA Programme:
» Under this initiative, girls will be trained through PMKVY 4.0 in non-traditional and modern job roles such as Graphic Designer, Smartphone Technician, Drone Assembly Expert, CCTV Installation Technician, and Professional Makeup Artist.
- By offering training in such diverse sectors, the Government of India aims to link girls with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities beyond conventional boundaries.
- The objective is to not only enhance their skills but to build the confidence necessary to carve a unique identity in all walks of life.
A specially designed 7-hour supplementary training module will also be provided under Navya, focusing on four key areas:
- Interpersonal Skills – Hygiene, self-presentation, conflict management
- Communication Skills – Active listening and effective communication
- Workplace Safety – Knowledge of POSH and POCSO laws
- Financial Literacy – Budgeting, earnings, and basic financial concepts
» With NAVYA, the Government of India reaffirms its commitment to inclusive development—ensuring that every girl, regardless of geography or background, is equipped with the skills, opportunities, and confidence to contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth story.
About Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0):
- PMKVY is a flagship scheme for skill certification, being launched to help Indian youth take up industry-relevant skill training to get better livelihoods.
- Components of this scheme include Short Term Training, Special Projects and Recognition of Prior Learning.