A transformative initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls aged 16 to 18, ‘Navya’, was ceremoniously launched today in Sonbhadra, an aspirational district of Uttar Pradesh. This marks not just the beginning of a program but a historic stride toward building empowered, self-reliant, and aware citizens in the form of India’s daughters. ‘Navya’ aims to equip adolescent girls with not only vocational training but also a platform for self-respect, opportunities, and social participation.

The launch event was attended by the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge), Shri Jayant Chaudhary, and the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur. Their presence reinforced the Government’s strong commitment to inclusive growth and women’s empowerment.

Navya is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The program is designed to train adolescent girls in vocational skills, making them self-sufficient, confident, and empowered. It will be implemented in 27 aspirational districts across 19 states, ensuring equal opportunities reach even the most marginalized regions, preparing the girls for future challenges.

Currently, the initiative is being piloted in 9 districts across 9 states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh. These districts have been identified as aspirational by NITI Aayog.

Under this initiative, girls will be trained through PMKVY 4.0 in non-traditional and modern job roles such as Graphic Designer, Smartphone Technician, Drone Assembly Expert, CCTV Installation Technician, and Professional Makeup Artist. By offering training in such diverse sectors, the Government of India aims to link girls with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities beyond conventional boundaries. The objective is to not only enhance their skills but to build the confidence necessary to carve a unique identity in all walks of life.

A specially designed 7-hour supplementary training module will also be provided under Navya, focusing on four key areas:

This training aims to support holistic personality development, beyond livelihood alone. On the occasion of the launch, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri. Jayant Chaudhary, stated, “Navya has been launched to provide adolescent girls with training across multiple domains to make them self-reliant. Girls identified by the Ministry of Women and Child Development will receive short-term vocational training under the PMKVY scheme. This training will not be limited to employment alone, but will also enable them to establish small businesses and their own enterprises. The initiative starts today from Sonbhadra, a district rich in tribal heritage and natural resources.”

Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Mrs. Savitri Thakur, remarked, “Navya will be a milestone in making adolescent girls self-reliant. Our shared commitment is to equip girls with skills that enable them to become independent and empowered citizens. This initiative will help them live a life of dignity and confidence.”

To ensure effective implementation, District Skill Committees are being strengthened to connect girls with local skill development schemes, job fairs, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Navya is not just a skilling program but also a social awareness and empowerment movement, launched with the goal of giving India’s daughters inner strength and a renewed identity.

The event witnessed the gracious presence of Hon’ble Minister Mrs. Savitri Thakur. The launch was further elevated by the presence of several distinguished guests. Mr. Chhotelal Singh Khirwar, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) and Mr. Bhupesh Chaubey, MLA (Robertsganj, Sonbhadra) addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the sustainable development of tribal communities.

Also present were former MP Mr. Ram Shakal, District Magistrate Mr. Badrinath Singh, Superintendent of Police, and SDO Ms. Jagrati, all of whom actively participated in the proceedings. Senior officials including Mrs. Sonal Mishra (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship) and Mr. Pankaj Srivastava (Statistical Advisor, Ministry of Women and Child Development) contributed policy guidance to the event.

On this occasion, participants trained under the PMKVY and PM Vishwakarma schemes were also awarded certificates.

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Manish Gautam/Shahbaz Hasibi

Sonbhadra Press Release