Establishment of the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood
In the Budget Speech for the financial year 2016–17, the Government of Karnataka announced the formation of a new Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood (SDEL). In line with this announcement, the department was formally established through Government Order No. CI 164 SSO 2016, dated 24.09.2016, by integrating various skill development programs previously functioning under different departments across the state.
Demographic Advantage and Vision for Skilling
Karnataka is a state with a significant youth population, offering the potential to harness the demographic dividend for the next 25 years. To enhance employability, productivity, and competitiveness, the state aims to skill its human resources effectively.
The newly formed department plays a comprehensive role in integrating the resources, institutional capacities, and programs of various departments for skill development. It is responsible for aspects such as regulation, quality assurance, certification, incentives, planning, and implementation. The goal is to ensure a centralized and sustainable approach to skilling and employment generation across the state.
The department aligns the state’s initiatives with the National Skill Development Policy, ensuring that youth dropping out of formal education are equipped with skills for employment or self-employment. The government aims to provide high-quality skill development facilities for the youth and uplift individuals engaged in low-income jobs or informal sectors by offering opportunities for upskilling, reskilling, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Accordingly, the Chief Minister’s Kaushalya Karnataka Scheme has been conceptualized to implement this vision effectively.