Youth in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands will have access to a range of free skill development courses under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), with multiple institutions in the islands set to offer training aligned with industry requirements.
The Directorate of Labour, Employment and Training has announced the rollout of skill courses under the national programme aimed at improving employability and creating livelihood opportunities for young people across the islands. The initiative is part of the broader PMKVY framework implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, which seeks to train 40 million people in new-age skills by 2026.
Officials said the programme is designed to provide demand-driven and industry-linked training across various sectors including manufacturing, construction, information technology and healthcare. The scheme is considered India’s largest skill certification initiative and aims to mobilise youth to take up structured training programmes that lead to employment or self-employment opportunities.
Under the programme, several educational and training institutions in the islands will conduct the courses. These include Government ITI Dollygunj in South Andaman, Government ITI Bakultala, Government ITI Arong in Nicobar, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), Technical Vocational Education and Training centre at DBRAIT, Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) and SOVTECH.
The training programmes have been designed to equip participants with practical and industry-relevant skills that correspond with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). Authorities indicated that the courses aim to match the evolving requirements of the labour market while preparing participants for both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
A variety of job-oriented courses will be available under the initiative. These include Assistant Mason, Assistant Electrician for domestic and industrial installations, Cosmetologist, Fishing Boat Driver for small mechanised vessels up to 24 metres overall length, Solar PV Installer in the electrical segment, Plastic Recycling Micro Entrepreneur and Safai Mitra.
In addition, courses such as Digital Mitra, Electric Vehicle Service Lead Technician, Manual Metal Arc Welding (Shield Metal Arc) Welder, CCTV Installation Technician, Adventure Travel Guide for low altitude activities and Cosmologist are also being offered as part of the training programme.
The duration of these courses ranges from 360 hours to 600 hours depending on the job role and training requirements. Officials said the varying duration is intended to ensure adequate hands-on training and theoretical knowledge relevant to each sector.
Eligibility criteria differ depending on the course selected. In general, applicants must meet minimum educational qualifications ranging from the ability to read and write to completion of Class XII. Certain courses may also require prior experience or specific educational backgrounds.
The age requirement for participation varies between 15 and 18 years depending on the training programme. Authorities noted that the flexibility in eligibility aims to allow a broader section of youth and community members to participate in the initiative.
Interested candidates have been advised to visit the respective government ITIs or colleges between 9 am and 4.30 pm to complete their registration. Applicants must bring original documents along with a set of photocopies of educational certificates, proof of age, Aadhaar card and two passport-size photographs.
Registrations will be carried out online through the SIDH portal and candidates have been advised to complete the process before March 12.
Officials said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the skill ecosystem in the islands by providing structured training opportunities in emerging sectors. By linking training programmes to national certification frameworks and industry standards, authorities aim to improve the employability of local youth.
The administration has encouraged young people across the islands to utilise the opportunity to develop professional skills and explore new career paths. Skill development programmes such as PMKVY are expected to contribute to local economic development by creating a workforce equipped with technical and vocational competencies relevant to current market demands.
The courses are also intended to support individuals interested in starting small enterprises or self-employment ventures by providing foundational technical knowledge and practical training. Authorities believe that initiatives like these can play a role in expanding livelihood options while strengthening the region’s human resource capacity.
