Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Per Drop More Crop 2026

The PM-DAKSH Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, empowers marginalized groups like SCs, Read More... OBCs, EWS, DNTs, and Safai Mitras by providing high-quality skill development training to boost their employment prospects. Read less

Details

In today's competitive job market, skills are key. The Indian government understands this and has introduced the Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana to give a much-needed boost to the skills of our citizens from underprivileged backgrounds.

What Is This Scheme?

Launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in 2020-21, PM-DAKSH is a comprehensive skill development initiative. It aims to equip individuals from marginalized communities with relevant skills, making them more employable and helping them earn a better livelihood. The training provided is aligned with national standards and aims to prepare individuals for both jobs and self-employment opportunities.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

This scheme is designed specifically for those who need it the most. This includes people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Denotified & Nomadic Tribes (DNT), and sanitation workers, including waste pickers and their dependents. The goal is to uplift these groups and provide them with pathways to economic independence.

Why This Scheme Is Important

PM-DAKSH plays a crucial role in bridging the skill gap among vulnerable sections of society. By offering free training and post-training support for employment or entrepreneurship, the scheme directly contributes to increasing incomes, reducing poverty, and promoting inclusive growth. It empowers individuals to contribute more effectively to the economy and improve their quality of life.

Objective

The PM-DAKSH Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, empowers marginalized groups like SCs, OBCs, EWS, DNTs, and Safai Mitras by providing high-quality skill development training to boost their employment prospects.

Benefits

Financial assistance to farmers for the installation of irrigation components under Micro Irrigation (all assets/ water sources for this must be mandatorily linked with a Micro Irrigation system to achieve water use efficiency).

Installation of drip or sprinkler irrigation in the farmers’ field for selected crops.

Installation of the irrigation system can be done either by the farmers themselves or by the selection of any approved Micro Irrigation companies.

The pattern of assistance payable to the beneficiary under the micro irrigation scheme will be 55% for small and marginal farmers and 45% for other farmers which will be met by both the Central Government and State Government in the ratio of 60:40 for all states except the North Eastern and Himalayan states. In the case of these states, the ratio of sharing is 90:10. For the Union Territories, the funding pattern is 100% granted by the Central Government.

Direct Benefit Transfer into the accounts of farmers.

Farmers can also avail benefits like water harvesting structures both at individual and community levels, water lifting devices for conveyance efficiency, and digging of a farm pond, under Other Interventions of Per Drop More Crop.

Sources and references

Guideline

Who Can Apply for PM-DAKSH?

To be eligible for the PM-DAKSH Yojana, you need to meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: You must be a citizen of India.
Age: Your age should be between 18 and 45 years.
Community/Background: You must belong to one of these categories:
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Other Backward Classes (OBC)
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
- Denotified & Nomadic Tribes (DNT)
- Safai Mitras (including Waste Pickers)
Income Limit:
- For OBC and EWS applicants, the annual family income must be below ₹3,00,000/-.
- There is no income limit for SC, DNT, or Safai Mitra (including Waste Pickers) applicants.
Aadhaar Card: A valid Aadhaar card is mandatory. (An exemption might be available for candidates from states where Aadhaar implementation is not yet complete).
Bank Account: You must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account.
Registration: You need to register on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH).

Specific Target Groups for Different Programmes:

Up-skilling/Re-skilling (RPL): Exclusively for Safai Mitras, including waste pickers.
Short-Term Courses: For SC, OBC, EWS, DNT, and Sanitation Workers (including waste pickers and their dependents) aspiring for wage or self-employment.
Entrepreneurial Development Programmes (EDP): For SC, EWS, OBC, and DNT youth with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Important Notes on Attendance and Training:

Mandatory Attendance: More than 70% biometric attendance is required for all candidates to be eligible for assessment in any training program.
On the Job Training (OJT): If OJT is part of the program, training providers are responsible for ensuring candidate attendance. Final assessment occurs after OJT completion. In districts lacking OJT facilities, project work may be substituted with special exemptions.

How To Apply for PM-DAKSH Yojana

The application process is designed to be straightforward, primarily through online registration. Follow these steps:

Register Online: Visit the official Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) website. You will need to register yourself on the portal.
Select Course: Browse through the available skill development courses and choose one that aligns with your aspirations and interests.
Fill Application Form: Complete the online application form with all the required details accurately.
Submit Documents: Upload scanned copies of all the necessary documents as proof of your eligibility.
Verification: Your application will be verified by the concerned authorities.
Enrollment: Upon successful verification, you will be enrolled in the selected training program.

Important: Always ensure you are using the official website for registration to avoid fraudulent schemes. For any offline queries or support, you may need to contact the designated training centers or nodal agencies, if applicable.

Official Portal:

Documents Needed for PM-DAKSH Application

To apply for the PM-DAKSH Yojana, you will need to submit the following documents. Ensure all documents are clear and valid:

Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card is primary.
Passport Size Photograph.
Caste or Community Certificate (if applicable).
Income Certificate (required for OBC and EWS applicants).
Proof of Age (e.g., Birth Certificate, School Leaving Certificate).
Proof of Residence (e.g., Voter ID, Ration Card, Utility Bill).
Educational Qualification Certificates.
Occupation Certificate (specifically for Safai Mitras, including waste pickers).
Bank Account Details: A passbook copy or cheque showing your bank details (must be Aadhaar linked).
Any other document as may be required by the implementing agency.

FAQ’s

What's the main goal of the PM-DAKSH Yojana?

The primary goal of PM-DAKSH is to boost the skills of young individuals from disadvantaged communities. It offers short-term and long-term training, followed by help to find jobs or start their own businesses. It also aims to enhance the skills of artisans, helping them earn more.

Can someone attend more than one training program under PM-DAKSH?

No, an individual is eligible to participate in only one skill development training program under this scheme.

What is the minimum attendance required for training to qualify for assessments?

To be eligible for assessments, candidates must maintain at least 70% biometric attendance throughout the training program.

How can I register for the PM-DAKSH Yojana?

Eligible individuals can register by visiting the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) website and completing the online application process.

Is there a cost to re-assess if I don't pass the first time?

No, candidates get one chance for re-assessment, and it is completely free of cost.

Who issues the Occupation Certificate for Safai Karamacharis or their families?

The Occupation Certificate can be issued by local authorities like Revenue Officers, Municipal Officers, Cantonment Executive Officers, Railway Officers, Gazetted Officers from government departments, elected members of Municipal Bodies, Gram Panchayat Pradhans, and Regional Managers of RRBs/PSBs.

What is the age limit for PM-DAKSH skill training?

You must be between 18 and 45 years old to be eligible for the skill development training programs offered under the PM-DAKSH Yojana.

Are there any options for re-assessment if a candidate fails?

Yes, every candidate is given one opportunity to appear for a re-assessment if they do not clear the initial assessment.

What are the different types of skill training offered under PM-DAKSH?

The scheme offers three main types of training: (i) Up-skilling/Re-skilling, (ii) Short-Term Training Programs, and (iii) Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDP).

Can a person participate in multiple skill training programs at the same time?

No, a person is only allowed to participate in one skill development training program at any given time.

What is the duration of the training programs?

The training duration varies. Upskilling programs typically last around 35 hours, while short-term courses can extend up to 1200 hours, depending on the specific job role and national standards.

Who is eligible to apply for the PM-DAKSH Yojana?

Eligibility covers Indian citizens aged 18-45 from SC, OBC, EWS, DNT, Safai Mitras, or Waste Pickers groups. For OBC and EWS, family income should be below ₹3 lakh annually. SC, DNT, Safai Mitras, and Waste Pickers have no income bar.