Patna: The central government has launched a unique initiative, the “Navya Project”, aimed at empowering adolescent girls aged 14 to 18 through vocational and employment-oriented skill training. This pilot program has been launched under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Mission (PMKVY) with the support of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Women and Child Development, focusing on the holistic empowerment of young girls.
Targeted Skill Training for Adolescent Girls
The primary goal of the Navya Project is to equip adolescent girls with professional skills that enhance their employability and self-reliance. Initially, the project has been rolled out in 27 districts across 19 states in India. In Bihar, the program is operational in six key locations in Gaya district, including Bodh Gaya, Guraru, Manpur, Sherghati, and Dumaria.
Participants are selected based on registration through the Nutrition Tracker and Aadhaar verification. The training spans both traditional and non-traditional skill areas, including:
- Fashion Designing
- Software Programming
- Beauty & Wellness
- Solar PV Installation (Suryamitra Program)
- Merchandising
- Customer Service
- Food & Beverage Services
By July 2025, a total of 532 girls have registered on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal, with 80 girls at Anushka Skill Education Center in Sherghati currently undergoing fashion designing training.
Training Centers in Gaya District
The following institutions are conducting training sessions under the Navya Project in Gaya:
- Skill Root EdTech
- Posterity Consulting
- Anushka Skill Education
- Ambishine Skill
- Aradhana Online Solution
- JSS Gaya
These centers are providing a mix of modern and traditional skill training, enabling girls to explore careers in sectors with high demand.
Modern Skills for Future Careers
In addition to conventional vocational courses, the Navya Project emphasizes emerging skill areas such as:
- Graphics Designing
- Drone Assembling
- CCTV Installation
- Smartphone Technician Training
- Professional Makeup Artistry
The minimum eligibility for participating in the program is completion of 10th grade, ensuring that girls have a foundational level of education before advancing to technical skills.
A Step Towards Women’s Empowerment
The Navya Project not only promotes skill development but also strengthens the vision of women’s empowerment by creating pathways for self-reliance and economic independence. With hands-on training in both traditional and modern trades, the program prepares adolescent girls for better employment opportunities and a brighter professional future.
This initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to nurturing talent among young girls and equipping them with the tools necessary to thrive in India’s evolving job market.
