Public Accounts Committee Criticises Slow Implementation of SANKALP Skill Development Scheme
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament, led by K.C. Venugopal, has criticized the government for the 'lackadaisical' implementation of the SANKALP scheme. SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) is a flagship program of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, partially funded by a World Bank loan. The PAC highlighted significant delays, with only 44% of the budgeted provision disbursed between 2017 and 2023. The committee questioned the absence of a central monitoring mechanism and noted gaps in due diligence and financial progress flagged by the CAG.
Key Points
- SANKALP aims to strengthen short-term skill training through better institutional frameworks and industry linkages.
- The scheme's completion deadline was extended from March 2023 to March 2024 due to slow progress.
- The CAG report pointed to 'non-preparedness' within the Ministry as a primary reason for the delay in utilizing World Bank funds.
Exam Facts
- SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion)
- PAC Chairman K.C. Venugopal
- World Bank loan of $250 million
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
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