Criticism of SANKALP Scheme Implementation
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament expressed concerns over the implementation of the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) scheme, a key initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The committee, led by Congress leader K.C. Venugopal, reviewed a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) detailing the shortcomings of the program.
Key Findings from the CAG Report
- Only 44% of the allocated budget for SANKALP was disbursed from 2017-18 to 2023-24, indicating significant underutilization of funds.
- The report flagged delays and shortfalls in financial and physical progress, along with weak adherence to implementation guidelines.
- The sluggish pace of execution affected various components of the scheme.
SANKALP Scheme Details
- Approved in October 2017 with a total budget of ₹4,455 crore.
- Funded primarily through a World Bank loan of ₹3,300 crore, with additional contributions from state and industry.
- Launched in January 2018 and initially set for completion by March 2023, later extended to March 2024.
World Bank Loan Disbursement
- The first tranche of the World Bank loan amounted to $250 million, of which ₹1,606.15 crore was disbursed (86%).
- The Ministry utilized only ₹850.71 crore by December 2023.
Concerns Raised by PAC Members
- Lack of a central monitoring mechanism and gaps in due diligence were significant issues.
- There was a notable absence of a clear plan to integrate skilling into the school curriculum, affecting long-term employability outcomes.
