NAVYA Empowers Girls in 19 States
Sonbhadra: NAVYA, a transformative programme to empower adolescent girls, was launched on June 24, 2025, in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, an Aspirational district rich in tribal heritage. Named Nurturing Aspirations through Vocational Training for Young Adolescent Girls, it was jointly inaugurated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), led by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for MSDE, and Savitri Thakur, Minister of State for MWCD. Girls from across India joined virtually via webcast, reflecting nationwide engagement.
Aimed at girls aged 16 to 18, NAVYA provides vocational training in non-traditional and modern job roles through short-term courses under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Chaudhary stated, “NAVYA has been launched to provide adolescent girls with training across multiple domains to make them self-reliant. This training will not be limited to employment but will also enable them to establish small businesses and their own enterprises.” Savitri Thakur added, “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, living a life of dignity and confidence.”
The pilot phase begins with nine Aspirational districts identified by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Himachal Pradesh, with plans to expand to 27 districts across 19 states. Training centres offer courses in skills like graphic design, telecom and financial services, smartphone technician, drone assembly expert, solar photovoltaic (PV) and closed-circuit television (CCTV) installation, hand embroidery, and professional makeup artist, preparing girls for diverse career paths. A 7-hour supplementary module focuses on interpersonal skills, including hygiene and conflict management, communication skills like active listening, workplace safety with knowledge of the Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment (POSH) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) laws, and financial literacy covering budgeting and earnings.
The launch featured certificate ceremonies for PMKVY and Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana (PM Vishwakarma Yojana) trainees and interactive sessions where beneficiaries shared stories of transformation. The event was attended by Member of Parliament Chhotelal Singh Khirwar and MLA Bhupesh Chaubey, who emphasised NAVYA’s role in sustainable development for tribal communities, alongside former MP Ram Shakal, District Magistrate Badrinath Singh, Superintendent of Police, SDO Jagrati, Additional Secretary (MSDE) Sonal Mishra, and Statistical Advisor (MWCD) Pankaj Srivastava, who provided policy guidance.
By prioritising Aspirational and tribal districts like Sonbhadra, NAVYA addresses regional disparities, offering tailored training to empower girls in marginalised areas, fostering self-respect and social participation. Strengthened District Skill Committees connect trainees to local skill schemes, job fairs, and entrepreneurship opportunities, enhancing the programme’s impact.
The virtual participation of girls nationwide, enabled by webcast, underscores NAVYA’s scalability. By leveraging PMKVY and PM Vishwakarma Yojana resources, the initiative ensures girls are equipped for emerging economic opportunities. Aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047, NAVYA serves as a social awareness and empowerment movement, fostering inner strength and a renewed identity for India’s daughters.
– global bihari bureau
