What happened: MSDE and IN-SPACe expand space and geospatial skilling

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing the Skill India Mission (SIM) through a network of skill development centres and programmes that provide short-term skilling, re-skilling, and up-skilling for youth across India. Under SIM, MSDE is promoting skilling for the space and geospatial emerging technology sectors through MSDE flagship schemes: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).

PMKVY and NAPS cover short-term skilling and up-skilling or re-skilling through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), along with structured on-the-job apprenticeship training. The space and geospatial related areas mentioned include GIS (Geographic Information System), spatial data management, drone technology, software development, telecommunications, and electronics.

The Department of Space’s IN-SPACe introduced 11 short-term skill development courses in space technology. Government information states that over 1,000 candidates were trained across the country through these courses.

To strengthen the outreach and employment linkage, the Government has been organising Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs) since June 2022 for awareness generation, employer outreach, and candidate mobilisation for apprenticeship opportunities.

MSDE also reports collaboration across employers, industry bodies, educational institutions, and Sector Skill Councils to enhance employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, including youth from rural areas.

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