NAVYA marks a milestone in our shared mission to empower adolescent girls: Smt. Savitri Thakur
Girls identified by MWCD will be trained through short-term skill development courses under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
Empowering Adolescent Girls: Government Launches ‘NAVYA’ Programme for Vocational Training
In a bold move to empower young girls and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has launched ‘NAVYA’ — Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls. The programme was officially launched today in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh.
The launch event was graced by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, and Smt. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State, MWCD. The initiative aims to equip adolescent girls aged 16 to 18 years with vocational skills, focusing particularly on non-traditional and emerging job roles.
Girls from across India virtually joined the event via webcast, showing overwhelming enthusiasm and a strong sense of participation from even the remotest corners of the country.
Speaking at the event, Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that NAVYA is more than just an employment scheme. It’s a platform to build confidence, economic independence, and entrepreneurial drive in adolescent girls, especially those living in tribal and Aspirational districts such as Sonbhadra. Identified by MWCD, these girls will receive short-term training under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), paving the way for self-employment and small business creation.
Smt. Savitri Thakur highlighted that NAVYA represents a landmark step in empowering adolescent girls. By providing them with industry-relevant skills, the programme aims to shape them into self-reliant, confident citizens ready to lead lives filled with dignity and independence.
Key Features of NAVYA:
- Pilot Phase Implementation: Rolled out in 27 Northeastern and Aspirational districts across 19 states.
- Vocational Training Focus: Courses are tailored to suit adolescent girls and include:
- Graphic Design
- Telecom and Financial Services
- Smartphone and Drone Assembly
- Solar PV and CCTV Installation
- Hand Embroidery
- Resource Optimization: Training is delivered through existing schemes like PMKVY and PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
The launch event also featured certificate distribution ceremonies for successful candidates under PMKVY and PM Vishwakarma, along with inspiring stories shared by beneficiaries who have transformed their lives through skill development.
Through NAVYA, the Government of India reiterates its commitment to inclusive and gender-sensitive development, ensuring that every girl—regardless of her background or location—has access to opportunities, skills, and the confidence to shape her future and contribute to India’s growth journey.
