To accelerate women-led development in India, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), in convergence with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has launched a transformative joint pilot initiative – NAVYA (Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls). This initiative was recently launched in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, and aims to equip adolescent girls with vocational skills in emerging, non-traditional sectors.
NAVYA is designed specifically for girls aged 16–18 years who have completed at least Class 10, with a particular focus on those from underserved and vulnerable regions. The pilot initiative will be implemented in 27 districts across 19 Indian states, including Aspirational Districts and regions from the North-Eastern States, reflecting the government’s inclusive approach to bridging developmental gaps.
The program will offer skill training in non-traditional and emerging fields such as electronics repair, drone technology, solar energy, and other future-ready sectors. This is a bold step toward breaking gender stereotypes and enabling girls to enter and succeed in industries where female participation has traditionally been low.
The NAVYA initiative draws from the strengths of key government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), aiming to create an ecosystem that nurtures aspirations and builds confidence among adolescent girls. By fostering convergence between MWCD and MSDE, the government seeks to institutionalize skilling efforts for adolescent girls, ensuring they are not left behind in India’s development journey.
This initiative aligns with the broader national goal of women-led development, focusing on economic empowerment, gender equality, and the creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities for young women. Through NAVYA, the government envisions creating a skilled and confident generation of young women ready to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.
NAVYA is not just a skill development program—it is a vision for change. It provides adolescent girls, especially from remote and marginalized communities, the chance to dream bigger, learn new skills, and break barriers. By focusing on non-traditional vocations, the initiative fosters innovation, self-reliance, and equal participation in India’s workforce.
In essence, NAVYA marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards inclusive growth, showcasing a holistic, collaborative, and gender-sensitive approach to national development.
