THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JUNE 23, 2025
Reaffirming its commitment to women-led development and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the Government of India is set to launch a transformative initiative — NAVYA: Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls — on Tuesday, in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. This ambitious pilot programme is a joint effort by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), aiming to equip adolescent girls with skills for a brighter, self-reliant future.
The programme will be officially launched by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, and Savitri Thakur, Minister of State, MWCD. This collaborative effort is designed to provide vocational training to girls aged 16 to 18 years, with a minimum qualification of Class 10, particularly in non-traditional job roles — thereby challenging gender stereotypes and opening up new economic opportunities for young women.
NAVYA will be rolled out in 27 districts across 19 States, with a strong focus on Aspirational districts and the North-Eastern region. This targeted approach ensures that the benefits of skill development reach underserved and vulnerable populations, supporting the Government’s agenda of inclusive growth and regional equity.
The programme will harness the resources and structure of existing flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma, creating a robust framework for vocational training and certification. The launch event will also feature distribution of certificates under these schemes and meaningful interactions with adolescent girl trainees, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter in their empowerment journey.
NAVYA is more than just a skilling initiative — it is a statement of the nation’s resolve to invest in its young women and prepare them to be confident, capable contributors to India’s growth story. As the country progresses towards the centenary of its independence, NAVYA will serve as a catalyst in unlocking the potential of adolescent girls, helping them emerge as leaders and change-makers in a developed and inclusive India.