The Skill Development Allowance Scheme, officially known as “The Himachal Pradesh Payment of Skill Development Allowance to Educated Unemployed Persons Scheme, 2013,” is implemented by the Department of Labour & Employment, Government of Himachal Pradesh. The scheme is designed to provide financial support to educated unemployed Himachali youth for their skill upgradation. By offering an allowance to cover expenses such as tuition fees, study materials, transportation, and living costs during training, the scheme empowers participants to choose a training institute and sector of their interest, thereby enhancing their employability or supporting self-employment initiatives.
Objectives
- Skill Upgradation:
Enable unemployed, educated youth to acquire relevant skills that match industry requirements. - Enhanced Employability:
Equip participants with the competencies needed to secure employment or start their own business. - Economic Growth:
Contribute to Himachal Pradesh’s overall economic development by nurturing a skilled workforce.
Benefits
The allowance is payable for a maximum period of two years, subject to the applicant fulfilling the eligibility criteria and submitting the required documents, including:
- For Physically Challenged Applicants:
- ₹1,500/- per month if they have a minimum 50% permanent disability recorded in their Employment Exchange record.
- For All Other Eligible Applicants:
- ₹1,000/- per month.
Note:
- The allowance is credited monthly via RTGS/NEFT/ECS to the recipient’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.
- Only bank accounts verified by Aadhaar are eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Skill Development Allowance Scheme, an applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Employment Status:
- The applicant must be unemployed (i.e., not employed in the government, private sector, or self-employed).
- Employment under MGNREGA is not considered as employment.
- Residency:
- Must be a bonafide Himachali.
- Educational Qualification:
- Must have passed a minimum of 8th grade from any Board/University/Institution recognized by the Himachal Pradesh Government.
- No minimum qualification is required for training in sectors like masonry, carpentry, blacksmithy, or plumbing.
- Registration:
- Must be registered with an Employment Exchange in Himachal Pradesh as on the date of application.
- Income:
- The applicant’s annual family income for the preceding financial year, including that of the spouse, should be less than ₹2,00,000/-.
- Age Limit:
- Applicants should be between 16 and 36 years of age.
- For widows, the upper age limit is 45 years.
- Additional Conditions:
- The applicant should not be self-employed.
- Applicants who have been dismissed from government employment or convicted of an offence leading to imprisonment for 48 hours or more are ineligible.
- The applicant must be enrolled in a skill development training program.
Exclusions
The following categories are not eligible:
- State/Central Government employees, employees of Public Sector Undertakings, Local Bodies, Quasi-Government Institutions, and those dismissed from service.
- Applicants or families with an annual income of ₹2,00,000/- or more.
- Non-Himachalis or those who do not meet the age criteria (below 16 or above 36 years; widows above 45 years).
- Individuals already employed who seek to enhance skills are not eligible.
Application Process (Offline)
- Registration with Employment Exchange:
- The applicant must be registered with any Employment Exchange in Himachal Pradesh as on the application date.
- Submission of Application:
- Submit the application along with the documents specified in Form ‘A’ to the Employment Exchange where the applicant’s name is registered or where the training is being undertaken.
- The application can be delivered in person or sent by post against a receipt as per Form ‘B’.
- Subsequent Affidavit:
- In the month of March, each claimant must submit an affidavit (as per Form ‘C’) to the Employment Exchange to verify their continued eligibility.
Documents Required
- Filled Application Form:
- All columns must be completed.
- Employment Registration Card (X-10):
- Attested copy.
- Family Income Certificate:
- Issued by the Executive Magistrate (dated within the last 6 months).
- Declaration of Unemployment:
- Self-certified declaration (as per the prescribed format in Form ‘C’).
- Bonafide Himachali Certificate:
- Attested copy.
- Enrollment/Admission Certificate in Skill Development Training:
- Attested copy.
- Bank Details:
- Cancelled cheque with an active bank account in the applicant’s name.
- Age/Educational Qualification Proof:
- Attested copies of the 8th/10th/age certificate issued by a competent authority.
- For Widows (if applicable):
- Attested copy of the certificate verifying widowhood.
- Aadhaar Card:
- Attested copy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Educated unemployed Himachali youth registered with an Employment Exchange, with an annual family income of less than ₹2,00,000, and within the age criteria (16–36 years; widows up to 45 years). - What is the maximum duration for which the allowance is provided?
The allowance is payable for a maximum of two years. - How much is the allowance amount?
- ₹1,500/- per month for physically challenged applicants (with a minimum 50% disability).
- ₹1,000/- per month for all other eligible applicants.
- Can I apply for multiple skill development courses under this scheme?
The scheme is designed to support the training period for a single course. Applicants must choose the sector and training institute of their choice. - Is placement assistance provided after training?
While the scheme primarily focuses on skill upgradation, enhanced employability through training may indirectly support job placement. - Can I apply if I am already employed?
No, only unemployed individuals are eligible. - How can I apply for the scheme?
Applications must be submitted offline at the Employment Exchange where the applicant is registered or where the training is being pursued. - Where can I find more information?
Refer to the official guidelines, FAQ section, and the Department Website.