In an effort to combat young unemployment, the Maharashtra government has launched the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana (Chief Minister Youth Work Training Scheme). The government introduced this scheme with the aim to provide valuable internship opportunities, equipping young individuals with essential skills and enhancing their employability in a competitive job market. The government has made provision of Rs 5,500 crore for the scheme. Candidates aged between 18 to 35 years and residing in Maharashtra are eligible to apply under the scheme. Minimum educational qualifications range from 12th pass to post-graduation, ensuring a broad spectrum of youth can benefit from practical training opportunities. Industries and establishments operating within Maharashtra, registered with the Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, are also encouraged to participate in this new government venture.
The Chief Minister announced this scheme. While outlining the details of the scheme, the CM emphasized its potential impact on enhancing youth employment prospects. “Under this initiative, the government will provide a stipend of Rs 6,000 for 12th pass candidates, Rs 8,000 for those with ITI and diploma qualifications, and Rs 10,000 for graduates and postgraduates,” Shinde stated, highlighting the varying levels of support based on educational attainment. Key features of the scheme include a six-month internship duration and a stipend structure designed to support interns based on their educational qualifications. Interns will receive monthly stipends through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
According to the State government, the scheme is expected to not only empower the youth with practical skills but also foster entrepreneurship and innovation across various sectors within Maharashtra. This initiative nurtures a skilled workforce capable of contributing effectively to the state’s economic growth and development. It seeks to give valuable internship opportunities for young people, equipping them with critical skills and increasing their employability in a competitive labour market. However, this scheme received a setback as it was challenged in the High court.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Bombay High Court against the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ and ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojna’ schemes announced by the Maharashtra government. The petitioner sought an interim order to stay implementation of the scheme, as the amount will be disbursed to beneficiaries later this month. In a praecipe, the petitioner said, “Due to the Government’s schemes there is an additional burden on direct and indirect taxpayers and the exchequer. Taxes are for infrastructure development and not for irrational cash schemes. The scheme costs around 4,600 crore, which is a huge burden for a debt-ridden State that already owes 7.8 lakhs crores. The high court dismissed the PIL challenging both the schemes.
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