National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities 2026

This scheme offers quality vocational training to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to help them secure good jobs Read More... and become self-reliant. Read less

Details

The Indian government has launched a significant initiative to empower Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through skill development. The National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities (NAP-SDP) is designed to equip PwDs with valuable vocational skills, paving the way for their meaningful employment and overall integration into society.

What Is This Scheme?

Launched in March 2015 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, NAP-SDP is a Central Sector Scheme. It's part of a larger program aimed at implementing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The main goal is to provide top-notch skill training to PwDs, helping them become financially independent and productive members of the community.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is specifically for Indian citizens who have a disability of at least 40%. It aims to support individuals between the ages of 15 and 59 who are looking to acquire new skills or enhance their existing ones for better employment opportunities.

Why This Scheme Is Important

NAP-SDP plays a crucial role in fostering inclusion and providing equal opportunities. By offering tailored vocational training through various partners, the scheme enhances employability, promotes self-reliance, and ensures that PwDs can contribute actively to the nation's economy.

Objective

This scheme offers quality vocational training to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to help them secure good jobs and become self-reliant.

Benefits

Vocational/skill training (both short-term and long-term) is provided through a network of skill training partners. These partners include the government, the public sector, training institutions such as VRCs, private training institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
A cluster delivers partners' training nationwide, known for its successful track record in providing skill training with high employability rates.
A dedicated cross-cutting Sector Skill Council for PwDs (SCPwD) has been established under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the private sector.
Additionally, mentorship projects to promote self-employment among PwDs are developed by DEPwD in collaboration with industrial confederations, sector-wise associations, domain experts, and other relevant organizations. These mentorship opportunities are tailored to address disability-specific needs.

Sources and references

Guidelines

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be Indian citizens.
A minimum disability of 40% is required, as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, or other relevant laws.
The age of the applicant should be between 15 and 59 years when the course begins.
Applicants should not have participated in any other skill training under the NAP-SDP by the Department in the year preceding their current application.
Candidates must enroll in courses approved by NCVET and meet the age, qualification, and disability type criteria specified in the Qualification Pack (QP).

How To Apply

The application process typically involves enrolling in courses offered by empanelled skill training partners. For specific project grants, organizations like NGOs need to register on the NGO Portal of NITI Ayog and provide their Unique ID. The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) oversees the scheme's implementation.

Official Link: Information regarding application or project proposal submission can be found on the official website of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD).

Documents Required

UDID Card Number or UDID Enrolment Number
Aadhaar Number or Aadhaar Enrolment Number
Disability Certificate
Proof of Age
Caste Certificate (if applicable)

FAQ’s

What is the role of Sector Skill Councils in this program?

Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), especially the dedicated Sector Skill Council for PwDs (SCPwD), are responsible for creating and customizing job roles specifically for Persons with Disabilities. They also play a key part in developing training curricula aligned with National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) standards.

How are trainees assessed and certified under this scheme?

Assessment and certification are carried out based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the criteria defined in the Qualification Pack (QP). The assessment is typically conducted by SCPwD or agencies authorized by them.

What are the requirements for trainers to be considered valid?

Trainers must hold a certification in the relevant domain from their Sector Skill Council (SSC) and SCPwD. They also need to meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the course's Qualification Pack (QP) as approved by NCVT.

Can training partners form agreements with companies to create specialized courses?

Yes, organizations can enter into Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with specific companies. This allows for the development of customized courses tailored to the needs of particular industries.

What is the typical timeline for projects if they don't start on time?

Projects that do not commence within two months from the date of approval will be automatically canceled. This ensures efficient utilization of resources and timely commencement of training activities.

How is the initial funding released to training partners?

The first installment of funding is processed after 7 days of training commencement, provided there is biometric attendance and certified trainers. Training without biometric attendance or without certified trainers is not considered valid for fund release.

What is the maximum age limit for participants in this skill development program?

Participants must be between 15 and 59 years of age at the time they start the training course.

What percentage of the budget is allocated for administrative tasks under this scheme?

Approximately 3% of the total budget for the National Action Plan for Skill Development of PwDs (NAP-SDP) is allocated for administrative expenses. This covers human resources, publicity, monitoring, and software development.

What proof is needed to confirm successful placements of trainees?

Organizations are required to submit necessary documents as proof of successful placement of the trainees after they complete their training and are employed.

Are Employability Skills (E.S.) courses a mandatory part of the training?

Yes, Employability Skills (E.S.) courses are compulsory and must be completed by trainees before they move on to the Domain Skills training.

What specific documents do NGOs need to submit when applying for grants?

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) must be registered on the NITI Ayog NGO Portal and must provide their Unique ID during the application process to be considered for grants.

When can training actually begin after a project is approved?

Training can commence at least 7 days after the project's approval. However, for funding purposes, 7 days of validated biometric attendance is required.

What is the minimum disability percentage required to be eligible for this scheme?

To be eligible, an applicant must have a disability of not less than 40%, as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, or any other applicable law.

Can the Department visit the training centers of partner organizations?

Yes, the Department reserves the right to inspect the premises of Training Partners to ensure compliance and quality of training.