Mushroom Production and Marketing Scheme 2026

This scheme aims to train 3,28,000 individuals in the ESDM sector, offering training and financial assistance for Read More... students and unemployed youth. Read less

Details

In today's fast-paced digital world, having the right skills is key. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has launched a special scheme to boost skill development in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. This initiative is all about preparing our youth for the jobs of tomorrow and supporting the ambitious 'Digital India' mission.

What Is This Scheme About?

The 'Skill Development in ESDM for Digital India' scheme is designed to equip a large number of people with essential skills in electronics. It focuses on the ESDM field, which is crucial for making India a hub for electronic goods design and manufacturing. The goal is to train 3,28,000 candidates across the country. It helps students, those who have dropped out of school, and unemployed youth get trained in courses that meet national skill standards.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is aimed at a wide range of individuals who want to build a career in the electronics sector. This includes students from Class 9 onwards, school dropouts who have completed at least 8th grade, ITI certificate holders, diploma holders, graduates, and even those registered with employment exchanges. If you're looking to upskill or get trained for a job in electronics, this scheme might be for you.

Why This Scheme Is Important

The 'Skill Development in ESDM for Digital India' scheme plays a vital role in bridging the skill gap in the electronics industry. By providing targeted training aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), it ensures that the workforce is ready for the demands of modern manufacturing and service roles in electronics. This initiative directly supports the 'Digital India' vision by increasing the availability of skilled manpower, making India more self-reliant in electronics production and services.

Objective

This scheme aims to train 3,28,000 individuals in the ESDM sector, offering training and financial assistance for students and unemployed youth.

Benefits

Under this scheme, the following assistance is provided:

Pasteurized compost is provided at a 50% subsidy on the total cost, up to a maximum of 50 quintals per beneficiary. Similarly, mushroom spawn (seed) is provided at a 50% subsidy on the total cost, up to a maximum of 25 kg per beneficiary. No cash is given; the pasteurized compost and spawn are provided directly by the department.
Seven-day training for mushroom growers is provided (₹1,050/- per beneficiary), of which ₹700/- is transferred to the beneficiary’s account through DBT, and ₹350/- is used for training materials and related expenses.
Farmers/mushroom growers who produce mushrooms under the scheme can sell their produce in local markets or mandis.

Sources and references

Guidelines (Page No. 220)

Who Can Apply?

You should be studying from Class 9 or 10 onwards, OR be a school dropout with at least an 8th grade pass, OR hold an ITI certificate, diploma, be an undergraduate, a graduate, or be registered with an employment exchange.
You must be eligible to enroll in any of the 5 NSQF levels (Level 1 to Level 5) as per the course requirements.
You need to have a valid Aadhaar Number. An Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID) can also be accepted.
You must agree to Aadhaar authentication or the e-KYC process.
You should not have previously benefited from any government-funded skill development course in the ESDM field.
You'll need to provide an undertaking stating you haven't availed any similar government scheme.
You must be at least 17 years old when you register or enroll.
You should be willing to get employed or start your own business and must provide an undertaking for this.
You need to attend the training regularly and appear for the assessment.
To be eligible for the assessment, you must maintain at least 70% attendance in the training.
You can only benefit from this scheme once. However, if you're training for manufacturing roles, you might be allowed to do two courses at successive NSQF levels.

Reservation and Preferences:

General Category: 60% of the seats are for general candidates.
Reserved Categories: 40% of the seats are reserved for specific groups:

SC: 15%
ST: 7.5%
EWS (Economically Weaker Section): 17.5%

EWS Criteria: If you fall under the EWS category, your family's annual income should not be more than ₹2,00,000/-.

How to Apply

The application process is managed through designated Key Implementing Agencies (KIAs). While specific online application portals might be managed by these agencies, you can typically apply through the following steps:

Find an Authorized Training Center: Identify a training center affiliated with one of the Key Implementing Agencies like NIELIT, ESSCI, or TSCSS.
Check Course Availability: Verify the courses offered at the center that align with your interests and eligibility.
Fill the Application Form: Complete the application form provided by the training center, ensuring all details are accurate.
Submit Documents: Provide all the necessary documents as listed.
Enrollment: Upon verification and acceptance, you will be enrolled in the chosen course.

For the most current application links and to find accredited training partners, please refer to the official websites of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) or the implementing agencies.

Documents You'll Need

To apply for this skill development scheme, please keep the following documents ready:

Aadhaar Card: Your primary identity proof. An Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID) can be used if you don't have the card yet.
Identity Proof: Any one of the following – Voter ID Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or NPR Card.
Special Requirement for Assam & Meghalaya: Candidates from these states need to provide two identity proofs.
EWS Certificate: If you are applying under the Economically Weaker Section category, you'll need a valid certificate.
Educational Qualification Proof: Certificates showing your educational achievements as per the eligibility criteria.
Undertaking for Non-Availment: A declaration stating you are not receiving benefits from a similar government scheme.
Undertaking for Employment: A commitment that you are willing to get employed or self-employed after the training.
Bank Account Details: Your bank account information for any reimbursements.
Passport Size Photograph: Recent photographs for your application.

FAQ’s

What's the main goal of the 'Skill Development in ESDM for Digital India' scheme?

The primary goal is to train and skill up a large number of people in the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. This aims to increase the availability of skilled professionals to support the 'Digital India' initiative and create job opportunities.

Who is eligible to join this ESDM skill development program?

If you're a student from Class 9 onwards, a school dropout (8th pass and above), an ITI holder, diploma holder, graduate, or even registered with an employment exchange, you can apply. You just need to meet the specific course eligibility criteria for any of the NSQF levels from 1 to 5.

Do I need to be a certain age to apply?

Yes, you need to be at least 17 years old when you register or enroll for the training.

Is having an Aadhaar card a must for this scheme?

Yes, a valid Aadhaar Number is required. If you don't have it yet, an Aadhaar Enrolment ID (EID) will also be accepted. You'll need to give your consent for Aadhaar verification or e-KYC.

What kind of courses are offered under this scheme?

The scheme offers training in various aspects of Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) across five levels of the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF). These courses cover both manufacturing and service areas within the electronics industry.

Is there a fee for the training, and how does financial assistance work?

You'll need to pay a Registration-cum-Certification Fee (RCCF) upfront. For the course fee itself, the scheme provides significant support: 75% is reimbursed for General category candidates, and 100% is reimbursed for SC, ST, and EWS candidates, provided they meet the certification and placement conditions.

Will the fees I pay be returned to me?

Yes, the fees paid, including the RCCF and the portion of the course fee you covered, can be reimbursed. Reimbursement is typically given after successful certification and then again after successful placement, following the scheme's specific rules.

Does the scheme guarantee a job after training?

The scheme is designed to be placement-linked. While it doesn't guarantee a job, the training partners are expected to help candidates find employment. To qualify for the full reimbursement of fees, at least 70% of the trained candidates must be placed, and their employment is tracked for three months.

Can I apply for this scheme multiple times?

Generally, you can only avail the benefits of this scheme once. However, if you are training for manufacturing job roles, you might be allowed to pursue two courses at successive NSQF levels.

What is the attendance requirement for the training?

To be eligible to take the final assessment, you must attend at least 70% of the training sessions.

Are there any reserved seats for specific communities?

Yes, 40% of the seats are reserved for candidates from Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) categories. SC gets 15%, ST gets 7.5%, and EWS gets 17.5% of the total seats.

What is the income threshold for EWS category applicants?

To be considered under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category, your family's annual income must not exceed ₹2,00,000/-.

How are the financial reimbursements given out?

The financial assistance is disbursed in two main parts: a portion is reimbursed after you successfully complete your certification, and the remaining part is reimbursed after you get placed in a job.

Where can I find the official application portal or centers?

You can apply through the official websites of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) or by contacting the authorized training partners and centers affiliated with the Key Implementing Agencies (KIAs) under the scheme.