The National Action Plan for Skill Development of Persons with Disabilities (NAP-SDP) is a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Launched in March 2015 by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, this Central Sector Scheme operates under the umbrella of SIPDA (Scheme for Implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act). The primary goal is to equip Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with high-quality vocational training that enhances their employability and empowers them to become self-reliant and contributing members of society.
Benefits
- Vocational/Skill Training: Access to both short-term and long-term courses tailored to the needs of PwDs.
- Enhanced Employability: Training provided by a diverse network of partners ensures high job placement rates.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Structured mentorship programs support self-employment and career development.
- Sector-Specific Skill Council: Ensures that training curricula and job roles are continuously updated to meet market needs.
Eligibility
For Trainees:
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Should have a disability of not less than 40%, as defined under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, or any other relevant legal statute.
- Age criteria: 15 to 59 years at the commencement of the training course.
- Should not have undergone any other skill training course sponsored under the NAP-SDP by the Department within the one year preceding the last application date for the chosen course.
- Must enroll in courses approved by NCVET and meet the specific age, qualification, and disability type requirements as specified in the QP file.
Application Process
Online Process via PM-DAKSH Portal
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Registration:
- Visit the official PM-DAKSH Portal.
- Click on the “Candidate Registration” icon at the top right.
- Complete the registration by entering mandatory details such as social category, trainee name, parent’s/husband’s name, date of birth, gender, state, district, address with PIN code, location, educational qualification, and upload a photograph (10 to 50 KB in JPG or PNG format).
- Provide training details including state, district, job preference, training institute, and duration.
- Enter bank details (account holder name, bank name, branch name, active bank account number, and IFSC code).
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User Credentials and OTP Verification:
- Choose a username, password, and provide an email address.
- Receive and enter the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to your registered mobile number or email to verify your identity.
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Application Submission:
- Log in with your credentials.
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form and upload the required documents in the specified format and size.
- Review your details and make corrections if necessary.
- Acknowledge the terms, conditions, declaration, and privacy policy, then click the “Submit” or “Apply” button.
- You will receive a confirmation message upon successful submission.
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Tracking Application Status:
- Check your dashboard for updates on your application status.
- The portal may also send updates via email or SMS.
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Help and Support:
- For assistance, visit PM-DAKSH Contact.
Documents Required
- UDID Card Number or UDID Enrolment Number
- Aadhar Number or Aadhar Enrolment Number
- Disability Certificate
- Proof of Age
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is responsible for developing or customizing job roles under this scheme?
A1: The scheme collaborates with the Sector Skill Council for PwDs (SCPwD), NSDC, and private sector partners to develop and customize job roles for PwDs.
Q2: Can organizations enter into MOUs with companies to create special courses, and are assessments and certifications based on specific criteria?
A2: Yes, organizations can collaborate with companies via MOUs to develop specialized courses, and assessments as well as certifications are carried out based on defined criteria.
Q3: What role do Employability Skills (E.S.) courses play, and what are the minimum qualifications and experience required for trainers?
A3: Employability Skills courses are integral to enhancing job readiness, with trainer qualifications and experience specified by the program guidelines to ensure high-quality instruction.
Q4: Who conducts the assessments, and what is the role of NDFDC in monitoring training provided by the partners?
A4: Assessments are conducted by designated bodies, with the NDFDC playing a key role in monitoring training quality and compliance with standards.
Q5: Can the Department inspect the premises of Training Partners, and what is the budget allocation for administrative expenses?
A5: Yes, the Department holds the right to inspect training premises, and budget allocations cover administrative expenses as per established norms.
Q6: What organizations develop the training curriculum, and what are the requirements for linking trainee details?
A6: The curriculum is developed by empanelled training partners and relevant sector bodies, with strict requirements for linking trainee details to ensure accountability.
Q7: How can organizations prove placements, and what is the process for project cancellation if they do not commence?
A7: Organizations must submit placement proofs, and projects may be canceled if they do not commence within the stipulated timelines as per scheme norms.
Q8: When does training commence, and how is the first installment of funding processed?
A8: Training commencement dates and funding disbursement details are communicated via the PM-DAKSH portal, with the first installment processed upon meeting all criteria.
Q9: What are the criteria for trainers to be considered valid?
A9: Trainers must meet specific qualifications and experience criteria as outlined in the scheme guidelines to ensure quality training delivery.
Q10: Can empanelled training partners request to train new batches at validated centers?
A10: Yes, empanelled training partners may request to train new batches at centers that have been validated under the scheme.
Q11: What documents must NGOs provide when applying for this scheme?
A11: NGOs are required to provide relevant organizational documents as specified in the scheme guidelines when applying to become training partners.