The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday approved the continuation and restructuring of the Central Sector Scheme ‘Skill India Programme (SIP)’ until 2026, with an outlay of Rs 8,800 crore from 2022-23 to 2025-26.

Briefing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the decision underscores the government’s commitment to building a skilled, future-ready workforce by integrating demand-driven, technology-enabled, and industry-aligned training across the country.

The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme—three key components—are now combined under the composite Central Sector Scheme of “Skill India Programme,” an official release stated.

These initiatives aim to provide structured skill development, on-the-job training, and community-based learning, ensuring that both urban and rural populations, including marginalized communities, have access to high-quality vocational education. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s three flagship schemes have benefitted more than 2.27 crore individuals to date, the release added.

(Inputs from ANI)