NAVYA Initiative

Context:

The Government of India launched the NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls) initiative to empower girls aged 16–18 years through skill development in emerging and non-traditional sectors.

Institutional Framework:

Joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD).
Implemented under the umbrella of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0).

Coverage and Target Group:

Targets adolescent girls aged 16–18 years in aspirational districts.
Current coverage:19 States and 27 districts.
Planned training for 3,850 girls in the pilot phase.

Objectives:

Provide demand-driven vocational training aligned with both traditional and modern sectors.
Ensure holistic development through modules on health, nutrition, hygiene, life skills, financial literacy, and legal awareness.
Promote employability, entrepreneurship, and forward linkages (internships, apprenticeships, job placements).
Create a safe, gender-inclusive training environment.
Bridge education-livelihood gaps for underserved communities.