Analyzing Performance of Skill Development Programs in India

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i10/174987

Keywords:

skill development programs, work performance, income attainment, education attainment, employability, entrepreneurial development.
JEL Classification Codes : J24, O2, O15
Publication Chronology: Paper Submission Date : January 15, 2025 ; Paper sent back for Revision : May 5, 2025 ; Paper Acceptance Date : September 30, 2025 ; Paper Published Online : October 15, 2025

Abstract

Purpose : The study analyzed the effectiveness of selected state-run skills development schemes, particularly the socioeconomic impact of the selected skill development schemes on beneficiaries.

Methodology : The study conducted a questionnaire-based survey of 655 respondents who attended the skill development programs (SDPs) during the sample period. PLS-structural equation modeling (SEM) was adopted to examine the performance of SDPs, the hypothesized relationship among the dependent variables, i.e., income attainment, educational attainment, employability, entrepreneurship, work performance, and challenges to the implementation of SDP and skill attainment as the independent variable.

Findings : We found that SDPs are not sufficiently blended with employment opportunities to enhance their effectiveness by enhancing industry collaborations and career counselling in these programs, which can increase placement rates. There is a significant need to raise awareness and improve the implementation of skill development initiatives to maximize their reach and impact, especially for women. The region’s industrial profile should be considered when customizing skill programs at the state level to ensure that training meets the unique requirements of regional industries.

Practical Implications : The study recommended that SDPs must be integrated with available employment opportunities to make them more effective. An SDP must be evaluated for different motives from all stakeholders, primarily industry, trainees, government, civil society, and especially workforce market requirements, which are crucial. Our study is not free from limitations and allows scope for future researchers, whether these include differences in the design and assessment models of the other state-run SDPs and diversity in multiple regional and cultural contexts, requiring localised understanding.

Originality : The study represents path-breaking research for the state of Haryana and has implications for the proposed skill development policy of the Government of India.

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Published

2025-10-15

How to Cite

Singh, J., Aggarwal, R., & Gupta, P. K. (2025). Analyzing Performance of Skill Development Programs in India. Prabandhan: Indian Journal of Management, 18(10), 8–24. https://doi.org/10.17010/pijom/2025/v18i10/174987

Issue

Volume 18, Issue 10, October 2025

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