In June 2025, the Government of India initiated the NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations by Vocational Training Girls in the Age of Youth) programme to equip adolescent girls with employability and self-reliance skills. The programme is a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) specifically in girls between the age of 16 to 18 years in the underserved and tribal areas. The pilot stage is expected to cover 3,850 girls and include both the technical training and life skills with the purpose of building confidence, independence, and entrepreneurship.
Background and Objectives
NAVYA was initiated in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, and is accessible to girls who have passed Class 10. The programme aims to close the gap between livelihoods and education by incorporating flagship programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma. The training is demand based and tailored to train girls to meet the upcoming and non traditional career opportunities.
Training Domains
The program provides courses in various industries like digital marketing, artificial intelligence services, cybersecurity, drone assemblies, solar photovoltaic installations, graphic designs, CCTV maintenance, professional makeup artistry, etc. With the integration of modern technology-driven disciplines and traditional competence, NAVYA will make sure that the participants acquire industry-related expertise that enhances their career prospects.
Holistic Development
In addition to technical expertise, NAVYA also includes health, nutrition, and hygiene, financial literacy, legal awareness, and interpersonal communication modules. These modules also seek to produce well-rounded individuals who are ready to deal with workplace environments, know how to handle finances, and make informed decisions about life.
Careers in Employment and Entrepreneurship.
The programme encourages employability by providing internships, apprenticeships and placement opportunities as well as assisting self-employment businesses. They offer stipends, mentoring and flexible training programs to make sure that they are inclusive and motivate girls to seek opportunities in male dominated sectors.
Implementation and Reach
Presently, NAVYA is being tested in 27 Aspirational and North-Eastern districts in 19 states. This initiative includes districts in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh with areas identified by NITI Aayog to focus on priority development.
Conformity to National Schemes.
NAVYA is an extension of PMKVY 4.0 (free short-term training and certification), and PM Vishwakarma (modern tools and financial support to artisans). These combined actions enhance vocational education and maintain traditional skills which forms the basis of sustainable socio-economic empowerment of young women.