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Key Points

The government has allocated Rs 493 crore to NIELIT over five years, skilling 43.6 lakh youth. PMGDISHA surpassed its digital literacy target, reaching 6.39 crore rural beneficiaries. Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 1.45 crore trained individuals. The initiative also included Anganwadi workers and ASHA workers for wider impact.

Key Points: NIELIT Skilled 43 Lakh Youth With Rs 493 Cr Govt Funding

  • Rs 493 crore allocated to NIELIT for skilling since 2020-21
  • 56 operational centers trained 43.6 lakh candidates
  • PMGDISHA exceeded target with 6.39 crore digitally literate
  • Uttar Pradesh led with 1.45 crore PMGDISHA beneficiaries
2 min read

Over Rs 493 cr allocated in last 5 years to NIELIT; more than 43 lakh youth skilled: Minister

Union Minister Jitin Prasada reveals NIELIT trained 43.6 lakh youth with Rs 493 crore funding, exceeding digital literacy targets under PMGDISHA.

"More than 43 lakh youth have been skilled across the country under NIELIT – Jitin Prasada"

New Delhi, July 31

In a bid to boost skilling in India, the government in the last five years has allocated over Rs 493 crore to the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology Jitin Prasada informed the Parliament.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Prasada shared that “more than 43 lakh youth have been skilled across the country under NIELIT”.

NIELIT is an autonomous scientific society for skilling under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

“More than Rs 493 crore were allocated in funds for NIELIT since 2020-21. The highest was in 2024-25, amounting to Rs 1,53,08,52,398,” Prasada said.

“In comparison, Rs 1,45,38,07,249 was allocated in 2023-24,” he added.

The Minister also informed that currently "56 NIELIT Centers are operational”.

NIELIT also has 797 Accredited Training Partners (ATPs) and 9,275 affiliated facilitation centers across the country.

“NIELIT has trained a total of 43,60,759 candidates,” Prasada said.

These candidates have been trained under various degree/diploma level courses and skill-based courses (long-term and short-term).

Meanwhile, the government has also surpassed its digital literacy goal under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA). The programme has imparted digital literacy to 6.39 crore people between 2017 and 2024, exceeding the original target of 6 crore. It aimed to increase smartphone usage, internet penetration, and digital engagement in rural areas.

These individuals from rural households have been trained to send messages and attach files on mobile phones, among others.

Uttar Pradesh (1.45 crore) had the largest number of beneficiaries under the programme. It was followed by Bihar (74.12 lakh), Maharashtra (53.23 lakh), Madhya Pradesh (50.69 lakh), and Rajasthan (39.70 lakh).

The beneficiaries under the DISHA scheme also included field-level government functionaries, namely Anganwadi and ASHA workers, and authorised ration dealers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the numbers look impressive, I wonder about the quality of training. My cousin did a NIELIT course but couldn't find relevant work. The government should focus more on industry partnerships for placements.
A
Aman W
Digital literacy for 6.39 crore people is revolutionary! In my village in UP, even the vegetable seller now accepts UPI payments thanks to PMGDISHA. Small steps making big changes 👍
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see UP leading in beneficiaries. Shows how important digital inclusion is for India's most populous state. Hope other states can replicate this success.
K
Karthik V
₹493 crore seems like a lot of money. Would love to see a detailed breakdown of how these funds were utilized. Transparency is important in such large-scale programs.
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Nisha Z
As an ASHA worker trained under DISHA, I can say this program has transformed our work. Now we maintain digital health records and can access government schemes easily for beneficiaries. Big salute to this initiative!

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