New Delhi: In a significant step toward empowering young women across India, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wadhwani Foundation. The partnership aims to provide free employability and life-skills modules for adolescent girls under Project NAVYA, a collaborative initiative jointly implemented by MSDE and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
Holistic Skill Development for Young Women
The collaboration seeks to equip adolescent girls with critical skills required for the modern workforce, enabling them to contribute effectively to their communities and achieve financial independence. Under Project NAVYA, the Wadhwani Foundation will provide specialized training modules free of cost to all beneficiaries, focusing on four key areas:
- Work Readiness: Preparing girls for professional environments through soft skills and vocational training.
- Life Skills: Enhancing resilience, decision-making, and personal growth.
- Self-Employment: Encouraging entrepreneurial thinking and enabling girls to start and manage small businesses.
- Community Participation: Fostering leadership and active engagement at the local level.
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Strategic Impact of Project NAVYA
Project NAVYA exemplifies the integration of skill development with social welfare, combining the resources of MSDE and MWCD with the technical expertise of the Wadhwani Foundation. By embedding practical life skills, workplace readiness, and financial literacy alongside vocational training, the program aims to create a future-ready workforce of young women prepared for diverse professional and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Nationwide Implementation
The MSDE plans to roll out these modules through Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), ensuring maximum reach across urban and rural areas. This initiative is expected to bridge the gender gap in the labor market, offering adolescent girls access to high-quality digital and life-skills content that strengthens employability and self-reliance.
Official Statement
Speaking on the initiative, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, said, “Project NAVYA reflects our commitment to moving beyond conventional skilling toward the holistic empowerment of young girls. By integrating life skills, financial literacy, workplace safety, and productivity into their learning journey, we are equipping adolescent girls with the confidence and capabilities required to succeed. This initiative strengthens the objective of creating dignified employment opportunities for women and enhancing their meaningful participation in the economy.”
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