Key Points

The Indian government has launched NAVYA, an innovative skills training program targeting adolescent girls in underserved regions. This initiative focuses on preparing 16-18 year old girls for emerging technology and non-traditional career paths across nine states. The program offers comprehensive training in digital skills, workplace safety, and financial literacy, connecting participants with potential job opportunities and entrepreneurship resources. By integrating with existing government schemes, NAVYA aims to create inclusive economic opportunities for young women.

Key Points: NAVYA Skilling Adolescent Girls in Tech Across 9 Indian States

  • - NAVYA targets adolescent girls in 9 aspirational districts for tech training
  • Covers digital marketing, cybersecurity, AI services
  • Integrated with PMKVY skill development scheme
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Govt runs NAVYA pilot project in nine districts to skill adolescent girls in emerging sectors

Government launches NAVYA pilot program empowering 16-18 year old girls with digital skills, vocational training in emerging technology sectors

"Creating inclusive, gender-equitable opportunities through skill development - Government Statement"

New Delhi, Sep 28

NAVYA, an initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls through vocational training in emerging sectors, is currently being piloted in 9 districts across 9 states, the government said on Sunday.

These districts have been identified as 'aspirational' by the NITI Aayog and span Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

The programme aims to prepare these adolescent girls for jobs in emerging sectors and promote socio-economic independence with skills ranging from personal hygiene to communication, workplace safety and financial literacy.

After the pilot, the programme will be expanded to cover 3,850 girls in 27 Aspirational and North-Eastern districts in 19 states, the statement said.

NAVYA, short for 'Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls', was launched on June 24, 2025, for girls aged 16-18 years with a minimum Class 10 qualification, specifically in underserved and tribal areas.

Courses cover non-traditional roles such as digital marketing, cybersecurity, AI-enabled services, drone assembly, graphic design, CCTV installation, and solar PV systems, in addition to traditional and service-oriented skills.

It additionally includes a 7-hour training module focusing on interpersonal skills like hygiene, conflict management, communication skills, workplace safety (POSH/POCSO laws), and financial literacy, including budgeting and earnings management.

The programme connects trainees to job markets through internships and apprenticeships in high-demand sectors. It also fosters entrepreneurship by providing resources and mentorship for self-employment ventures, the release said.

NAVYA is integrated with a government scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), that promotes skill development by offering free, short-term training and monetary rewards for youth skill certification.

The government said that pilot implementation across nine states demonstrates its potential to create inclusive, gender-equitable opportunities, fostering resilience and entrepreneurial spirit among participants.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see the government focusing on aspirational districts. The inclusion of financial literacy and workplace safety training is much needed. Hope they ensure proper implementation at ground level.
S
Sarah B
Drone assembly and solar PV systems for girls? That's progressive thinking! 👏 This could really change the employment landscape in these regions. The entrepreneurship focus is particularly impressive.
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Arjun K
While the initiative looks good on paper, I hope they have proper infrastructure and qualified trainers in these districts. Many such schemes fail due to poor execution. Fingers crossed this works! 🤞
M
Meera T
As someone from a small town, I know how difficult it is for girls to get quality training. The 7-hour module on interpersonal skills and financial literacy is brilliant. This is real women empowerment! 💪
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Karthik V
Good initiative but why only 9 districts initially? India has hundreds of aspirational districts that need such programs. Hope the expansion happens quickly and reaches more girls in need.
D
Divya L
The integration with PMKVY is smart thinking. This gives the program more credibility and ensures certification that's recognized nationwide. Hope my district gets included in the expansion phase! ✨

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