Government to Launch ‘NAVYA’ for Skilling Adolescent Girls

• 24 Jun 2025
• 618 Views

In a major step toward women-led development and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the Government of India is all set to launch its new pilot programme, NAVYA, today (24 June 2025), in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. NAVYA stands for Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls. It is a joint initiative between two ministries i.e., (i) Ministry of Women and Child Development and (ii) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

This programme is designed to equip girls aged 16 to 18 who have completed at least Class 10 with vocational training in non-traditional job roles. The idea is to give them practical and market-relevant skills and the confidence to step into careers that have traditionally seen less female participation.

The pilot will roll out across 27 districts in 19 states, including Aspirational Districts and regions in the Northeast. By focusing on underserved and remote areas, the programme aims to reach girls who often miss out on such opportunities.

Today’s launch will be led by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Smt. Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for Women and Child Development. As part of the event, the two ministries will also formalize their collaboration to ensure a long-term coordinated effort toward skilling the adolescent-phase girls.

NAVYA will build on existing government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM Vishwakarma, combining their strengths to make a real impact on the ground. The launch event will feature interactions with the first batch of girl trainees and the distribution of training certificates.

More than just a skill-building programme, NAVYA is about revealing potential and giving young girls the tools and support they require to imagine bigger futures, become financially independent and play a central role in building a strong, inclusive and self-reliant India.

Source: PIB