Skill Impact Bond By NSDC Trains Over 29,000 Women

The Skill Impact Bond, launched by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in 2021, has successfully trained more than 29,000 first-time job seekers from low-income families across 18 sectors in 24 states and union territories wherein 73 per cent of them have joined jobs. This initiative aims to equip 50,000 young Indians by bridging the gap between skilling and employment, where women account for 60 per cent of the reach.

A key feature of the Skill Impact Bond is its strong gender-responsive approach. With 74 per cent of trainees being women from low-income backgrounds, many with limited education and no prior work experience, the program has successfully engaged and retained these women in the workforce. Strategies such as family engagement, workplace familiarisation, mobility support, and post-placement assistance have been instrumental in achieving these outcomes.

During his address, Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said, “When thoughtful minds collaborate together, we don’t just invest; we build communities. We create pathways to better livelihoods, stronger families, and a more resilient nation. The Skill Impact Bond exemplifies this vision, having already trained nearly 29,000 first-time job seekers from low-income families across 24 states and union territories. It reflects true social responsibility by shifting focus from short-term inputs to long-lasting impact. With SIB 2.0, we aim to raise the bar, aligning with the Hon'ble Prime Minister’s vision of a future-ready, inclusive workforce that will propel India towards global leadership.”

While addressing the gathering, Ved Mani Tiwari, COO (Officiating CEO), NSDC & MD, NSDC International said, “Skill Impact Bond has reached 29,000 lives across 24 states and 18 sectors with a 57% retention rate, aiming for 60%. Moving forward, the focus is on Employability, Employment, Income Enhancement, and Entrepreneurship. By leveraging digitalization and AI-driven innovations in healthcare, education, and beyond, SIB aligns with India’s $35 trillion economic vision for 2047, building a future-ready workforce and fuelling a more inclusive start-up ecosystem.”

Independent verification of the programme reveals that 70 per cent of enrolled women and 81 per cent of enrolled men have secured jobs following their training. Job retention has also shown promising outcomes, with 56 per cent of women and 62 per cent of men retaining their jobs for at least three months. Furthermore, among those placed in jobs, 40 per cent of women and 66 per cent of men continued working for six out of twelve months. Notably, job retention rates for women have improved significantly, increasing from 48 per cent in the first cohort to 61 per cent by the third cohort.

With a budget of USD 14.4 million, the Skill Impact Bond is designed to achieve measurable outcomes linked to job placement and retention. This innovative financial model ensures accountability and effective use of resources aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for youth, particularly women.