Skill Development for Healthcare Professionals: PMKVY, NAPS, JSS, CTS Initiatives
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched a training program for 'Multiskill Caregiver' under PMKVY, aligning with Budget 2026-27 announcements, aiming to skill 1.5 lakh care professionals. This initiative is part of the government's broader effort to create a skilled healthcare workforce, especially for geriatric and home care, and to boost employment for women and youth.
Background
The Skill India Mission (SIM) is a government initiative to train youth in industry-relevant skills. Under this, MSDE implements various schemes like PMKVY, NAPS, JSS, and CTS through a network of training centers and ITIs. The healthcare sector has been a focus area to meet the growing demand for paramedical and allied health professionals.
Key facts
Under PMKVY 4.0, key healthcare job roles include Emergency Medical Technician - Basic, General Duty Assistant, Geriatric Caregiver (institutional and homecare), Healthcare Hygiene and Housekeeping Aid, Assistant Yoga Instructor, Panchakarma Assistant, and Genetic Counselor.
MSDE launched a training program for 'Multiskill Caregiver' under PMKVY, targeting 1.5 lakh care professionals (1.3 lakh through MSDE mechanisms).
Under NAPS, apprenticeship opportunities are available in healthcare, paramedical, and allied health sectors based on the skill needs of participating establishments.
Under JSS, healthcare-related courses include Basic Health and Wellness Skills (secondary and senior secondary), basic course for Anganwadi workers, Foundation Course in Healthcare, Front Line Health Worker, General Duty Assistant, Helper for hospitals and nursing homes, Geriatric Assistant, and Optician.
Under CTS, healthcare trades offered through ITIs include Dental Laboratory Equipment Technician, Geriatric Care, Health Sanitary Inspector, Physiotherapy Technician, and Radiology Technician.
From 2023-24 to June 30, 2026, total candidates trained in paramedical and allied healthcare sectors under MSDE schemes: PMKVY - 120,588 (Kerala: 2,361), NAPS - 31,491 (Kerala: 1,063), JSS - 7,712 (Kerala: 260), CTS - 48,862 (Kerala: 160) for sessions 2023-2025.
The Indian Nursing Council (INC) has developed one-year 'Post Basic Diploma' programs in various clinical specialties in 'residency mode' (earn while learn) to strengthen clinical competencies of registered nurses.
MSDE has established seven Skill India International Centres (SIICs) on a pilot basis in various states to facilitate international employment opportunities for Indian youth.
Prelims pointers
- PMKVY: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
- NAPS: National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
- JSS: Jan Shikshan Sansthan
- CTS: Craftsmen Training Scheme
- ITI: Industrial Training Institute
- INC: Indian Nursing Council
- SIIC: Skill India International Centre
- MSDE: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
- Budget 2026-27: Announced 'Multiskill Caregiver' training program
- Kerala: Specific state data mentioned in coverage
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for skill development in healthcare; role of MSDE and Ministry of Health.
- GS3: Skill development and employment generation in healthcare sector; challenges in healthcare workforce.
- GS2: Issues relating to development and management of social sector services relating to health.
- GS3: Inclusive growth and employment opportunities for women and youth in healthcare.