Empowering Young Aspirations with Skills
In a major move toward inclusive and women-led development, the Government of India has launched NAVYA – Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls. The program is jointly led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Launched on 24th June 2025 in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, the initiative supports the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision of creating a developed and self-reliant India.
Why NAVYA Matters
NAVYA focuses on empowering adolescent girls between 16 to 18 years—with at least a Class 10 qualification—by offering vocational training in non-traditional roles. This includes skills beyond traditional sectors like tailoring or beautician work, aiming instead at roles such as digital services, logistics, renewable energy, and electronics repair.
By training young women in these fields, NAVYA helps break gender stereotypes and opens up sustainable career paths.
Where Will NAVYA Be Implemented?
The pilot initiative will run across 27 districts in 19 states, including:
-
Aspirational districts like Dahod (Gujarat) and Mewat (Haryana)
-
North-eastern regions such as Dibrugarh (Assam) and Churachandpur (Manipur)
These regions were carefully selected to ensure maximum impact where it’s needed most.
What Makes NAVYA Unique?
The strength of NAVYA lies in convergence. The program will integrate:
-
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
-
PM Vishwakarma Yojana
-
Local training partners and state governments
This coordinated effort enhances the reach, quality, and employability of the trained girls.
Additionally, both Ministries have formalized the institutional framework for sustained collaboration in future girl-focused skilling programs.
Voices from the Ground
At the launch event, Minister of State Shri Jayant Chaudhary (MSDE) and Smt. Savitri Thakur (MWCD) distributed certificates to recent trainees. They also engaged with beneficiaries who shared how skill training has already changed their lives.
“With this training, I can now help support my family. I never thought I could repair electronics,” said Renu, 17, from Sonbhadra.
Vision Beyond the Pilot
NAVYA is more than a training program—it’s a symbol of India’s commitment to empowering its daughters. With focused implementation, transparent monitoring, and community participation, the government plans to scale up the initiative nationwide if successful.
By 2047, when India completes 100 years of independence, the girls trained under NAVYA today could become the entrepreneurs, leaders, and mentors of tomorrow.
Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Impact
NAVYA reflects a new era of skilling with inclusivity at its core. By equipping girls in underserved regions with modern skills, India is not only addressing gender gaps but also building a future-ready workforce.
