SANKALP SCHEME

NEWS: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has criticised the government for the slow and poor implementation of the SANKALP Scheme

ABOUT

• SANKALP = Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion
• Launched: 2018
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

Objective:

• Strengthen short-term skill training
• Improve institutional frameworks
• Enhance industry linkage
• Promote inclusion of marginalised communities
• Improve quality of Skill India ecosystem

Funding Structure of SANKALP

• Total outlay: ₹4,455 crore
• World Bank loan: ₹3,300 crore
• State leverage: ₹660 crore
• Industry leverage: ₹495 crore

Problems highlighted by CAG and PAC

• Low Fund UtilisationàOnly 44% of budgeted funds disbursed (2017-18 to 2023-24)
• Delays in Financial & Physical Progress
  • Scheme approved in 2017
  • Launched in 2018
  • Originally scheduled completion: March 2023
  • Extended to: March 2024
• Loan Utilisation Issue (World Bank)
  • Loan agreed: $250 million (first tranche)
  • 86% disbursed by World Bank
  • But Ministry used only ₹850.71 crore (till Dec 2023)