Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Audit Findings

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) identified several irregularities in the implementation of the PMKVY from 2015-2022, a critical skills training initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment.

Key Findings

• Bank Account Anomalies:
  • Use of "11111111111" as a bank account number and similar incorrect entries.
  • 94.53% of participant bank account details were incomplete or erroneous.
• Pending Payouts:
  • Payouts pending for over 34 lakh candidates.
  • DBT payments were successful for only 18.44% of certified candidates.
• Training Centre Issues:
  • Multiple shuttered training centres, with discrepancies in their operational data.
• Beneficiary Survey:
  • High email delivery failure rate of 36.51% in a beneficiary survey.
• Photographic Evidence Discrepancies:
  • Same photographs used for multiple beneficiaries across states like UP, Bihar, and Maharashtra.

Ministry's Response and Measures

• Enhanced monitoring with technology-enabled solutions like Aadhaar-authenticated e-KYC.
• Introduction of geo-tagged attendance and face-authentication.
• Strengthened certification processes with QR-coded digital certificates.
• Implementation of strict financial accountability measures.
• Virtual and physical inspections reinforced by revised guidelines and penalties.

The audit underscores the importance of accurate participant data and financial accountability in ensuring the effectiveness of PMKVY.