Audit Report on PMKVY Implementation Issues

Summary of CAG Audit Report on Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

Overview

• Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
• Period: Phases from 2015 to 2022
• Objective: To provide skills training to combat joblessness among youth.
• Total Outlay: Approx. ₹14,450 crore
• Target Population: 1.32 crore candidates; 1.1 crore candidates certified across all phases.

Key Findings by the CAG

1. Irregularities Identified:

   • Usage of invalid bank account numbers (e.g., "11111111111") and repeated accounts for multiple beneficiaries.
   • Inadequate data integrity on the Skill India Portal (SIP); 94.53% of participant accounts had serious inaccuracies.
   • Reports of the same photograph used for multiple beneficiaries across different states (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan).
   • Training centres reported closed during audits.

2. Payment Discrepancies:

   • Only 25.58% of certified candidates received payouts.
   • More than 34 lakh certified candidates pending for payment.
   • 63.75% of total candidates paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) as of October 2024.
   • High email delivery failure rate (36.51%) impacting communication with candidates.

3. Data Collection Findings:

   • Candidate registration required mandatory contact details, but problems led to these becoming non-mandatory.
   • Initial disbursements intended via bank accounts shifted to Aadhaar linked accounts due to implementation challenges.

4. Concerns Over Training Quality:

   • Lack of classified employers for skill certification.
   • Insufficient independent verification of provided training.

Government Response and Reforms

• The Ministry claims to have “significantly strengthened” the scheme, implementing corrective measures:
  • Adoption of Aadhaar-authenticated e-KYC for tracking beneficiaries.
  • Introduction of QR-coded digital certificates for certification verification.
  • Enhanced oversight through the Skill India Digital Hub for data management and transparency.
  • Initiation of live attendance dashboards and geo-tagged attendance monitoring to ensure presence during training.

Constitutional References and Guidelines

• Candidates required to possess a valid bank account, as per the PMKVY guidelines.
• The project implementing agency was mandated to assure accurate capture of banking information during enrollment.

Conclusion

The CAG report raises significant concerns regarding the implementation of PMKVY, pinpointing systemic inefficiencies and need for reforms to enhance accountability and transparency in skills training and certification processes. The government has outlined steps aimed at addressing these irregularities, focusing on improved technological interventions and compliance mechanisms.