Union Education Minister Launches 'Skills on Wheels' Initiative to Empower Rural Youth

20 September 2023
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Union Education Minister Launches 'Skills on Wheels' Initiative to Empower Rural Youth

In a significant move to empower rural youth, especially women, and equip them with essential digital skills, Union Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, inaugurated the groundbreaking 'Skills on Wheels' initiative. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the employability of rural youth and prepare them for the challenges of the future job market. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and IndusInd Bank.

Key Features of 'Skills on Wheels' Initiative:

1. Empowering 60,000 Rural Youth: Over a span of five years, the 'Skills on Wheels' initiative aims to empower and upskill a staggering 60,000 rural youth. The ultimate goal is to enhance the livelihoods of rural households by equipping their youth with the necessary skills.

2. Focus on Digital Skills: One of the core objectives of this initiative is to impart essential digital skills to rural youth, with a special focus on women. In an increasingly digital world, this training will make them job-ready and well-prepared for the future.

3. Partnership with NSDC and IndusInd Bank: The initiative is a result of a collaborative effort between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and IndusInd Bank. This partnership ensures the necessary resources and expertise are brought together to make the initiative successful.

Mobilizing 'Skills on Wheels':

4. Customized Mobile Skill Training Unit: To reach the remotest corners of the country, a customized bus has been retrofitted with state-of-the-art tools and technology. This mobile unit will serve as the flagship of the 'Skill India Mission' and is aptly named 'Skills on Wheels.'

5. Extensive Geographic Coverage: 'Skills on Wheels' will embark on a journey across aspirational and backward districts, covering a vast geographical area. This strategic approach is aimed at raising awareness at the grassroots level about free skill training programs, which can profoundly transform the lives of rural youth.

6. Changing Trajectories through Skill Training: The initiative recognizes the power of skill training in altering the life trajectories of youth. By offering robust training programs, it aspires to provide youth with the knowledge and skills they need to secure better livelihoods.

Closing the Skills Gap:

7. Industry-Relevant Skill Training: The core objective of the initiative is to enable a substantial number of youth to pursue industry-relevant skill training. This training will not only enhance their theoretical knowledge but also equip them with practical skills that are in demand in the job market.

8. Matching Passion and Skills: 'Skills on Wheels' seeks to bridge the gap between industry requirements and unemployed youth. It will accomplish this by helping candidates identify the right courses based on their academic background, aptitude, and skillset. This alignment ensures that individuals are well-suited for their chosen career paths.

Government Launches Three Transformative Initiatives for Farmers

20 September 2023

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Government Launches Three Transformative Initiatives for Farmers

In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in India, the government has announced the launch of three game-changing initiatives. These initiatives, which focus on agri-credit and crop insurance, were unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar. The initiatives are set to amplify financial inclusion, harness technology, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

1. Kisan Rin Portal (KRP): A Digital Leap in Agri-Credit

Developed in collaboration with multiple government departments, the Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) is poised to transform access to credit services under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme. This digital platform provides farmers with a comprehensive view of their data, loan disbursement specifics, interest subvention claims, and facilitates efficient agriculture credit. It promises to simplify and streamline the borrowing process for farmers.

2. Door to Door KCC Campaign: Ensuring Universal Financial Inclusion

The Ghar Ghar Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Abhiyaan is an ambitious campaign that seeks to extend the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme to every farmer in India. With a total of 7.35 Crore operative KCC accounts and a sanctioned limit of 8.85 lakh crores rupees as of March 2023, this campaign aims to ensure that every farmer has unhindered access to credit facilities. It envisions universal financial inclusion, empowering farmers with the financial resources they need.

3. Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) Manual: Data-Driven Insights for Farmers

The Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) initiative is a groundbreaking innovation that leverages advanced weather data analytics. By providing stakeholders with actionable insights on weather patterns, WINDS aims to assist farmers in making informed decisions about their agricultural activities. This data-driven approach will enhance crop management and help farmers mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions.

India's first UPI ATM: How will it be different from cardless cash withdrawals

07 September 2023
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India's first UPI ATM: How will it be different from cardless cash withdrawals

India's first UPI-ATM, a White Label ATM (WLA) by Hitachi Payment Services in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was introduced to enable seamless cash withdrawals without the need for physical ATM cards.

This innovation allows customers of certain banks to enjoy QR-based cashless withdrawals. The UPI-ATM, also known as Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW), offers a simple process for users of participating banks who use UPI to withdraw cash from compatible ATMs.

Here's how it works:

• Select Withdrawal Amount: Customers choose the desired withdrawal amount when selecting the 'UPI cash withdrawal' option at the ATM.
• Generate QR Code: The ATM screen displays a unique and secure dynamic QR code linked to the selected withdrawal amount.
• Scan QR Code: Users scan this QR code using any UPI app installed on their Android or iOS smartphones.
• Authorize Transaction: To complete the transaction, users input their UPI PIN on their mobile device, authorizing the cash withdrawal.

Key Features of UPI-ATM:

• Compatible with various systems.
• No physical card required for transactions.
• Transaction limit of up to ₹10,000 per transaction, aligned with existing UPI daily limits and issuer bank's UPI-ATM transaction limits.
• Convenient cash withdrawals without the need for an ATM card.
• Allows cash withdrawals from multiple accounts via the UPI app.

How UPI-ATM Differs from Bank's Cardless Cash Withdrawals:

• Current card-less cash withdrawals rely on mobile numbers and OTPs, whereas UPI-ATM utilizes QR-based UPI cash withdrawals.
• UPI-ATM is accessible to UPI users who have a UPI app installed on their Android or iOS smartphones, offering a secure and efficient alternative for cash withdrawals.