Sri Vijaya Puram | March 11, 2026
Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), free skill development training will be provided to the youth of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
PMKVY aims to train 40 million people in new-age skills by 2026 through demand-driven and industry-linked courses across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, IT and healthcare. The scheme is the largest skill certification programme in India and seeks to enable and mobilise youth to undertake outcome-based skill training, improve employability and earn sustainable livelihoods.
As part of the initiative, the Directorate of Labour, Employment and Training will conduct skill development courses through Govt. ITI Dollygunj (South Andaman), Govt. ITI Bakultala, Govt. ITI Arong (Nicobar), DBRAIT, TVET (DBRAIT), JNRM and SOVTECH. These courses are designed in alignment with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) to equip candidates with industry-relevant skills.
The training programmes offered include Assistant Mason, Assistant Electrician (Domestic cum Industrial), Cosmetologist, Fishing Boat Driver (Small Mechanized Vessels up to 24 OAL), Solar PV Installer – Electrical, Plastic Recycling Micro Entrepreneur, Safai Mitra, Digital Mitra, Electric Vehicle Service Lead Technician, Manual Metal Arc Welding (Shield Metal Arc) Welder, CCTV Installation Technician, Adventure Travel Guide (Low Altitude) and Cosmetologist.
The duration of the courses ranges from 360 to 600 hours depending on the job role. Eligibility criteria vary according to the course and generally include minimum educational qualifications ranging from the ability to read and write up to Class XII, along with relevant experience where applicable. The minimum age requirement ranges between 15 and 18 years depending on the course.
Interested candidates have been advised to visit the respective Government ITIs and colleges between 9 am and 4.30 pm with original documents and a set of photocopies of educational certificates, proof of age, Aadhaar card and two passport-size photographs for online registration on the SIDH portal on or before March 12.
For further information, candidates may contact Mr. T. Narendranath at 9434266855, 9932172183, 9679558317 or 8900932195.
The A&N Administration has encouraged youth across the islands to take advantage of the free skill training opportunities to enhance employability, develop entrepreneurial skills and contribute to the region’s economic development.
