CAG Flags Gaps in MeitY Skill Development Programs

New Delhi, Apr 2 (PTI) The Comptroller and Auditor General has found several gaps in skill development initiatives under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, including instances of multiple registrations of candidates with similar demographic details, low placement outcomes, and data validation mismatch.

In its report tabled in Parliament on Thursday, the CAG found a low enrolment rate in deep-skilling paid courses under Future Skills Prime (FSP) and a lack of industry recognition of certification under this programme, affecting learners' motivation.

CAG report covered audit of skill development in Electronics System Design and Manufacturing sector (ESDM-I and II), skill development of youth in aspirational districts (SDYAD) and Future Skills PRIME (FSP).

"In the ESDM schemes, while overall enrolment and certification numbers were significant, issues were noted in maintaining the uniqueness of beneficiaries due to instances of multiple registrations of candidates with similar demographic details," the report said.

The CAG said the ESDM scheme was operated and managed by the Programme Management Unit (PMU) through affiliated Training Partners (TPs).

The auditor observed that registration-cum-certification fee was not collected by 33 out of 40 TPs.

"Delays were observed in the conduct of assessments and in the issuance of certificates, affecting the timely progress of beneficiaries. Placement levels remained modest, and delayed implementation of the 'Place and Train' model limited the placement support available to candidates certified previously," the report said.

The audit found that tracking of trainees was carried out for only three months rather than one year, and reimbursement claims of TPs remained pending for extended periods, indicating delays in processing and settlement.

In the SDYAD scheme, the CAG during audit found that TPs could not be engaged in several districts, resulting in no candidates getting registered in these districts.

"The registration portal lacked provision for uploading supporting documents, which led to data validation gaps, including multiple registrations and invalid entries. Placement outcomes were low compared to the number of trained and certified candidates," the report said.

The CAG found that though the skill development schemes achieved considerable outreach and training coverage, certain implementation, monitoring and fund management issues reduced the full realisation of intended benefits, particularly in terms of timely certification and enhanced employability.