“Delhi’s new skill training scheme aims to empower women by providing vocational training in high-demand sectors like healthcare, IT, and textiles. Launched to boost employability, the initiative targets 10,000 women, offering free courses, childcare support, and job placement assistance. It addresses gender disparities, promoting economic independence and aligning with India’s vision for women-led development.”
Delhi’s Bold Step Toward Women’s Empowerment Through Skill Development
The Delhi government has unveiled an ambitious skill training scheme specifically designed to empower women, marking a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in employment and economic participation. Launched on July 3, 2025, the initiative targets 10,000 women across urban and rural areas of the capital, offering free vocational training in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, information technology, textiles, and hospitality.
The program, spearheaded by the Department of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, focuses on equipping women with market-relevant skills to enhance their employability and foster financial independence. Courses include practical training in nursing, digital literacy, apparel design, and customer service, tailored to meet industry demands. The scheme also incorporates soft skills training, such as communication and leadership, to prepare women for diverse professional environments.
A key feature of the initiative is its emphasis on accessibility. To address structural barriers like mobility constraints and domestic responsibilities, the program provides childcare facilities at training centers and flexible schedules to accommodate participants’ needs. Additionally, the government has partnered with private organizations to ensure job placement support, with a goal to secure employment for at least 70% of trainees within six months of course completion.
This scheme aligns with India’s broader vision of women-led development, as articulated by the government’s goal to make India a developed nation by 2047. By focusing on skill development, the initiative aims to increase women’s labor force participation, which currently stands at 27% in India, significantly lower than the global average. The program also seeks to challenge traditional gender roles, encouraging women to enter non-conventional fields like technology and technical trades.
The Delhi government has allocated ₹50 crore for the initiative, with plans to expand the program to include more women from marginalized communities, including those from slum clusters and rural areas. Training centers have been established across all districts of Delhi, with online modules available to ensure last-mile connectivity for women in remote locations. The scheme also integrates awareness campaigns to shift societal perceptions about women’s economic roles, aiming to dismantle stereotypes that limit their opportunities.
Data from the National Skill Development Corporation indicates that similar programs, like the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, have already transformed the lives of over 35 lakh women nationwide by providing skill training. Delhi’s new scheme builds on this success, with a targeted focus on urban and semi-urban women who face unique socio-economic challenges. The initiative has been praised by industry leaders and women’s rights advocates for its comprehensive approach to empowerment, combining skill acquisition with economic and social support.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports and announcements from government sources, industry data, and initiatives aligned with women’s empowerment in India. Information has been sourced from the Department of Women and Child Development, National Skill Development Corporation, and related programs like the Skill India Mission.