SANKALP Scheme:
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament has expressed concern over gaps in planning and the slow pace of implementation of the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) scheme.The observations were based on a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, which found that the SANKALP scheme utilised only 44% of its allocated funds, with significant World Bank assistance remaining unspent, indicating weak financial planning and absorption capacity.Launched in January 2018 by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the SANKALP scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at operationalizing the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM).It focuses on strengthening institutional mechanisms for short-term skill training and expanding access to quality training for marginalised communities.The scheme was approved with a total budget of Rs 4,455 crore. It is primarily supported by a World Bank loan of Rs 3,300 crore, supplemented by state leverage and industry contribution.
