New Delhi: The Congress party on Monday demanded a comprehensive investigation into alleged fund misuse and significant data manipulation within the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) scheme. Congress leader Kannan Gopinathan cited a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, claiming widespread irregularities in beneficiary enrollment and placement processes under the skill development program.
Gopinathan informed reporters that the Modi government had rebranded the National Skill Development Mission into PMKVY. He stated that the government allocated approximately Rs 10,000 crore to the scheme over a seven-year period. The CAG report, which assessed the scheme’s performance from 2015 to 2022 , brought to light a series of critical issues concerning fund distribution and beneficiary data integrity.
CAG Report Uncovers Major Data Irregularities
The CAG report specifically highlighted glaring discrepancies in the personal and financial details of PMKVY beneficiaries. Gopinathan alleged that a substantial percentage of bank accounts, mobile numbers, and assessor details linked to participants were found to be fraudulent or misrepresented.
| Category | Alleged Irregularity Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Beneficiary Bank Accounts | 94.53% | Identified as fake or non-existent |
| Beneficiary Mobile Numbers | 96% | Identified as fake or incorrect |
| Assessor Details | 97% | Identified as fraudulent or invalid |
Further findings from the report indicated that information for 61 lakh trainers operating under the scheme remained incomplete. Gopinathan also pointed out a peculiar anomaly: records showed that one crore individuals, who had completed their training, shared identical email addresses and mobile phone numbers. This raises questions about the authenticity of training completion data.
In one specific instance, an audit conducted at a company in Kerala revealed that placements for individuals who supposedly received training had not actually occurred. These findings collectively suggest systemic issues in the tracking and verification mechanisms of the PMKVY scheme.
Widespread Manipulation in PMKVY 2.0 and 3.0
The CAG audit specifically examined various components of PMKVY 2.0 and PMKVY 3.0. These components included Short-Term Training, Recognition of Prior Learning, and Special Projects. The audit’s scope allowed for a comprehensive review of the scheme’s implementation. It concluded that the scheme was marred by widespread data manipulation, significant financial mismanagement, and weak oversight. Furthermore, the report documented numerous violations of basic eligibility norms for beneficiaries.
An in-depth analysis of 60,68,523 candidates enrolled in roles requiring an education beyond Class 9 revealed significant educational data gaps. The audit found that educational details for 6,77,807 candidates, representing 11.17% of the total, were entirely missing from the records. This lack of essential information hampers proper assessment of eligibility and training suitability.
Moreover, the analysis showed that 8,09,046 candidates, accounting for 13.33% of the group, did not meet the stated minimum educational requirements for their chosen skill development courses. This indicates a potential bypass of critical eligibility criteria, leading to inefficient training outcomes.
The audit also scrutinized candidates certified for roles that mandated prior technical education. Out of 1,23,533 such certified candidates, a striking 1,05,493 individuals, or 85.40% , possessed only basic literacy or general education. This significant discrepancy suggests that many beneficiaries were certified for roles for which they lacked the foundational technical knowledge, potentially undermining the quality and effectiveness of the skill development initiative.
Congress Demands Immediate Government Inquiry
Congress leader Kannan Gopinathan reiterated the party’s demand for the government to establish an inquiry committee. He called for a thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged irregularities and bring forth the truth. The Congress stressed that these issues represent a serious breach of trust, impacting both Indian taxpayers and the youth seeking skill development opportunities through the PMKVY scheme.