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% 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% of the reach. A key feature of the Skill Impact Bond is its strong gender-responsive approach. With 74% 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.
Shri 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 focus on employment outcomes has influenced all aspects of programme design and delivery, resulting in the promising results the Skill Impact Bond is now seeing. The coalition’s prioritisation of tight performance management, incentive alignment between all stakeholders, engagement with employers to ensure fit-for-purpose training, and tech-enabled, data-driven decision-making ensures the impact bond is constantly optimising and innovating to meet its goals.