Context:
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has criticised the government for the slow implementation of the SANKALP scheme, citing findings from a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that only 44% of the allocated funds were disbursed between 2017–18 and 2023–24.
Key Highlights:
About the SANKALP Scheme
- SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) aims to strengthen short-term skill training programmes in India.
- The scheme focuses on:
- Improving institutional frameworks for skill development
- Enhancing industry linkages
- Promoting inclusive skill training for marginalised groups.
Financial Structure
- Total outlay: ₹4,455 crore.
- Funding sources include:
- World Bank loan: ₹3,300 crore
- State government leverage: ₹660 crore
- Industry contribution: ₹495 crore.
Audit Findings
- The CAG report revealed significant delays in fund utilisation and programme implementation.
- Against the first loan tranche of $250 million, the ministry had utilised only ₹850.71 crore as of December 2023.
- Overall financial disbursement stood at only 44% of the budgeted allocation.
Concerns Raised by the PAC
- The committee criticised:
- Slow fund utilisation
- Weak monitoring mechanisms
- Gaps in due diligence
- It questioned the absence of a centralised monitoring system to track progress.
Scheme Extension
- The scheme, initially launched in 2018, has been extended until March 2024 due to delays.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- SANKALP Scheme
- Full form: Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion.
- Objective: Strengthening short-term skill development programmes and improving training quality.
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC)
- A Parliamentary committee that examines government expenditure and audit reports.
- Ensures that public funds are used efficiently and lawfully.
- Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
- Constitutional authority under Article 148.
- Audits receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and states.
Relevant Mains Points:
Importance of Skill Development
- Essential for demographic dividend utilisation.
- Supports employment generation and economic growth.
- Aligns workforce skills with industry requirements.
Implementation Challenges
- Administrative inefficiencies in programme execution.
- Weak coordination between central and state agencies.
- Limited industry participation in skill training programmes.
Governance and Accountability Issues
- Delay in fund utilisation indicates institutional capacity constraints.
- Weak monitoring systems undermine policy effectiveness.
Way Forward
- Strengthen centralised monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Improve coordination between government, industry, and training institutions.
- Enhance accountability in fund utilisation.
- Focus on industry-relevant skill training to improve employability.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper 2: Governance – parliamentary oversight, public expenditure accountability
- GS Paper 3: Economy – skill development and employment generation