Mangaluru: Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V has directed officials to take concrete steps to ensure the effective implementation of skill development programmes across the district, emphasising their role in boosting self-employment among youth.

Chairing a meeting of the District Skill Mission at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, he highlighted the importance of equipping young people with employment-oriented skills. He stated that structured training initiatives can enable youth to create sustainable livelihoods, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.

The DC underlined that empowering the country’s youth through skill-based education remains a priority, adding that such initiatives not only reduce unemployment but also contribute to local economic growth.

Emphasis on PM SVANidhi and NIPUN schemes

During the meeting, Darshan H V drew attention to key central government schemes such as PM SVANidhi and NIPUN, describing them as crucial tools for empowering small traders and the youth.

He instructed officials to actively promote awareness about these schemes so that eligible beneficiaries can fully utilise the opportunities available. According to him, many potential beneficiaries remain unaware of such initiatives, which limits their reach and effectiveness.

PM SVANidhi scheme extended till 2030

Officials informed the meeting that the PM SVANidhi, launched in June 2020, aims to provide affordable loan facilities to street vendors operating within urban local bodies in Dakshina Kannada district.

The DC noted that the scheme has now been restructured and extended by the Central Government until March 2030. Its objectives include improving financial inclusion, encouraging digital transactions, building capacity among beneficiaries, and offering social security benefits to street vendors and their families.

He stressed that officials must ensure proper dissemination of information about the scheme so that more vendors can benefit from it.

Expansion to semi-urban and rural areas

The meeting also discussed the phased expansion of the scheme to cover census towns, statutory towns, and semi-urban areas. This move is expected to significantly widen the reach of the programme and bring more small-scale traders under its ambit.

Targets have been set for disbursing micro-credit under the first, second, and third phases of the scheme. Officials were instructed to adhere strictly to the guidelines while implementing these phases to ensure transparency and efficiency.

Directions to local bodies for implementation

Darshan H V directed that clear instructions be issued through taluk panchayat executive officers to all panchayat development officers and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) staff working at the gram panchayat level.

The aim is to ensure that the PM SVANidhi is effectively implemented in all census towns within Dakshina Kannada district, leaving no eligible beneficiary uncovered.

He emphasised the need for coordination between departments and local bodies to achieve the targets set under the scheme within the stipulated timeline.

Officials present at the meeting

Among those present at the meeting were Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Deputy Secretary Jayalakshmi Rayakod, District Skill Development Officer Pradeep D’Souza, and representatives from various departments.

Conclusion

The district administration’s renewed focus on skill development and financial support schemes reflects a strategic push towards inclusive growth. By strengthening implementation and improving awareness, authorities aim to empower youth and small traders, thereby fostering self-reliance and economic resilience in the district.