Introduction
India stands at a crucial demographic juncture. With one of the world’s youngest populations, the country possesses immense potential to accelerate economic growth through a skilled and productive workforce. However, the demographic advantage can easily turn into a liability if adequate employment-oriented skills are not imparted to millions of young people entering the labour market each year.
To address this structural challenge, the Government of India introduced the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) scheme. The programme was conceived not merely as another training initiative, but as a systemic reform effort aimed at strengthening institutions, improving quality standards, promoting inclusion, and enhancing coordination in the skill development sector.
This article examines the objectives, structure, implementation framework, achievements, shortcomings, and future roadmap of the SANKALP scheme in a comprehensive manner.
Background of the SANKALP Scheme
The SANKALP scheme was launched in 2018 under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It was designed as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme supported by financial assistance from an international development partner through a results-based financing model.
Unlike earlier skill programmes that focused mainly on training numbers, SANKALP emphasised structural reform. The core idea was to build a robust institutional ecosystem capable of delivering high-quality, market-aligned skill training across states and districts.
The scheme initially had a defined implementation period, which was later extended to ensure completion of institutional reforms and outcome-linked targets.
Objectives of SANKALP
The SANKALP scheme was built around five broad objectives:
1. Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms
One of the central goals was to create stronger governance structures at the central, state, and district levels. Skill development requires coordination among multiple stakeholders — ministries, state governments, private training providers, and industry bodies. SANKALP aimed to reduce fragmentation and improve coherence.
2. Improving Quality Assurance
Earlier skill initiatives often faced criticism regarding poor quality training and weak assessment standards. SANKALP sought to strengthen accreditation, certification, and assessment frameworks to enhance credibility and industry acceptance.
3. Promoting Inclusion
The scheme prioritised the participation of women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), minorities, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised communities. Inclusive skill development was seen as essential for equitable economic growth.
4. Decentralised Planning
Recognising the diversity of labour markets across India, the scheme emphasised district-level planning. District Skill Committees were encouraged to assess local economic activities and align training with regional employment opportunities.
5. Strengthening Monitoring and Outcomes
A key shift under SANKALP was the transition from input-based funding to outcome-based financing. Funds were linked to measurable results, including institutional reforms and performance indicators.
Institutional Framework of Implementation
The implementation structure of SANKALP operates at three levels:
Central Level
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship serves as the nodal authority. It formulates policy guidelines, oversees financial allocations, and monitors overall progress.
State Level
State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) play a crucial role in operationalising reforms. Each state prepares an action plan aligned with national objectives while adapting to regional realities.
District Level
District Skill Committees (DSCs) are responsible for identifying local skill gaps, coordinating training providers, and aligning programmes with district-level industry demand.
This multi-tiered framework reflects the principle of cooperative federalism in skill governance.
Key Components of the Scheme
1. Quality and Accreditation Reform
The scheme focuses on improving accreditation standards for training centres. Institutions are evaluated based on infrastructure, faculty quality, training delivery methods, and placement records.
Standardised assessment systems ensure that certifications reflect actual competency rather than mere attendance.
2. Trainer and Assessor Development
Skill training quality depends heavily on trainers. SANKALP supports capacity building initiatives for trainers and assessors through structured training programmes and certification systems.
3. Data Systems and Labour Market Information
Reliable labour market information is essential for effective planning. The scheme promotes better data collection, tracking of training outcomes, and digital monitoring platforms to improve transparency.
4. Inclusion Strategies
Special provisions aim to increase female participation in non-traditional trades and provide support systems such as stipends and accessible infrastructure for differently-abled trainees.
5. Convergence with Other Schemes
SANKALP complements other major skill initiatives by focusing on governance reform rather than direct training delivery. It works alongside flagship skill training programmes to improve their institutional foundation.
Progress and Achievements
Since its launch, the scheme has contributed to several positive developments:
- Establishment of District Skill Committees across states.
- Improved alignment of state action plans with local economic sectors.
- Enhanced emphasis on accreditation and assessment standards.
- Increased dialogue between industry stakeholders and training institutions.
- Greater awareness regarding the importance of quality over quantity in skilling.
Some states have demonstrated improved coordination mechanisms and stronger integration between training providers and employers.
Implementation Challenges
Despite its ambitious design, the scheme has faced several challenges:
1. Delays in Fund Utilisation
Administrative bottlenecks and procedural delays have slowed fund disbursement in certain states. Since the scheme relies on outcome-based financing, verification processes sometimes extend timelines.
2. Capacity Constraints at State and District Levels
Not all states possess equal administrative capacity to design and implement reforms effectively. Weak institutional capacity affects planning and monitoring.
3. Limited Industry Engagement
In some regions, industry participation remains minimal. Without strong employer involvement, training programmes risk misalignment with market demand.
4. Monitoring Gaps
Although digital systems have improved tracking, real-time monitoring remains uneven across states.
5. Placement Outcomes
Ensuring that training translates into stable employment continues to be a persistent challenge. Skill acquisition alone does not guarantee employability without broader economic growth and job creation.
Importance of SANKALP in India’s Development Context
1. Harnessing the Demographic Dividend
India’s workforce expansion requires systematic skill enhancement to convert potential into productivity. Institutional reform in skill governance is vital for long-term success.
2. Supporting Industrial Growth
A skilled workforce strengthens manufacturing, services, and emerging sectors such as renewable energy, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
3. Reducing Regional Disparities
District-level planning enables localised skill interventions, potentially reducing migration pressures and promoting regional development.
4. Enhancing Global Competitiveness
As global supply chains evolve, skilled labour becomes a competitive advantage. Standardised and credible certification systems improve international employability.
Way Forward
To maximise impact, the following measures are essential:
- Strengthening monitoring mechanisms through advanced digital dashboards.
- Enhancing industry partnerships at district levels.
- Expanding trainer capacity building initiatives.
- Ensuring timely release and utilisation of funds.
- Integrating skill training with emerging technologies and future-oriented sectors.
- Increasing awareness campaigns to improve enrolment and participation.
Conclusion
The SANKALP scheme represents a structural reform initiative aimed at strengthening the institutional backbone of India’s skill development ecosystem. By focusing on governance, quality, decentralisation, and inclusion, it seeks to address systemic weaknesses that previously limited the effectiveness of vocational training programmes.
While implementation challenges persist, the scheme’s design offers a blueprint for transforming skill development from a fragmented approach into a coordinated, outcome-driven system. If supported by strong monitoring, active industry engagement, and administrative capacity building, SANKALP can play a transformative role in preparing India’s youth for sustainable employment and inclusive growth.
