Uttarakhand Skill Development Mission (UKSDM)

The Uttarakhand Skill Development Mission (UKSDM) is a flagship initiative of the Government of Uttarakhand aimed at enhancing the employability and livelihood opportunities of the youth through industry-relevant skill development and vocational training programs. UKSDM works in alignment with the national vision of Skill India and is committed to creating a robust ecosystem of skill development in the state.

Mission Objective:

To empower the youth of Uttarakhand—especially those from rural, remote, and underprivileged backgrounds—by equipping them with market-driven skills, increasing their employment potential, and promoting self-reliance through entrepreneurship.

Key Features and Functions:

1. Quality Skill Training Programs

  • Conducting short-term and long-term skill development programs across various sectors like hospitality, healthcare, construction, retail, logistics, IT-ITES, agriculture, and tourism.

  • Training aligned with National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) standards.

  • Inclusion of soft skills, life skills, and digital literacy as part of the curriculum.

2. Inclusive Reach

  • Special focus on youth from rural, remote, and hilly areas, women, and differently-abled individuals.

  • Skill centers established across districts, including remote areas, to ensure accessibility.

  • Collaborations with NGOs, SHGs, and local bodies to reach marginalized communities.

3. Industry Linkages & Placement Support

  • Industry-driven training models to ensure employability and placement.

  • Active collaboration with industry partners, Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), and training providers.

  • Placement assistance and post-placement tracking to ensure employment outcomes.

4. Convergence with Other Schemes

  • Works in coordination with PMKVY, DDU-GKY, National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), and state-level initiatives.

  • Converges with livelihood missions, education departments, and MSME promotion activities for holistic development.

5. Entrepreneurship Development

  • Supporting youth in starting micro-enterprises by providing training in business planning, financial literacy, and access to credit schemes.

  • Promoting entrepreneurship through linkage with Start-Up India, Mudra Yojana, and Stand-Up India.

Target Beneficiaries:

  • Youth aged 15 to 45 years seeking employment or entrepreneurial opportunities.

  • School dropouts, unemployed graduates, and diploma holders.

  • Women, differently-abled persons, and migrants returning to the state.

Training and Certification Partners:

UKSDM partners with NSDC-approved training providers, reputed NGOs, industry associations, and educational institutions to deliver training. Post-training, candidates are awarded NSDC or NCVT-certified qualifications, ensuring recognition across India.

Recent Initiatives & Highlights:

  • Skill Training in Jails (UKSDM Jail Project): Providing vocational training and rehabilitation support to inmates for post-release employment.

  • Rural Skill Development Camps: Conducted across districts to promote local entrepreneurship and skill upgradation.

  • Skill Mela and Rozgar Fairs: Regular job fairs to connect trained candidates with employers.

  • E-Skilling & Remote Learning: Leveraging digital platforms to provide training during emergencies or in inaccessible locations.

Training and Certification Partners:

UKSDM partners with NSDC-approved training providers, reputed NGOs, industry associations, and educational institutions to deliver training. Post-training, candidates are awarded NSDC or NCVT-certified qualifications, ensuring recognition across India.

Recent Initiatives & Highlights:

  • Skill Training in Jails (UKSDM Jail Project): Providing vocational training and rehabilitation support to inmates for post-release employment.

  • Rural Skill Development Camps: Conducted across districts to promote local entrepreneurship and skill upgradation.

  • Skill Mela and Rozgar Fairs: Regular job fairs to connect trained candidates with employers.

  • E-Skilling & Remote Learning: Leveraging digital platforms to provide training during emergencies or in inaccessible locations.

Impact of UKSDM:

  • Thousands of youth trained and successfully placed across key employment sectors.

  • Increased employability and income levels among beneficiaries.

  • Enhanced migration-resilience through skill-based livelihood support.

  • Promotion of self-reliance and entrepreneurial culture in Uttarakhand.

Conclusion:

The Uttarakhand Skill Development Mission (UKSDM) is transforming the state’s youth into a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy. Through targeted interventions, quality training, and strong industry partnerships, UKSDM is not just creating jobs—but building futures.