Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship

In Context

• The Union Minister for Education and Skill Development inaugurated phase-II of the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship.

 Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship

• Launched on a pilot basis in 2019, across 75 districts in Gujarat, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• It is a two-year-long fellowship conceived to create opportunities for young, dynamic individuals to contribute to enhancing skill development at the grassroots.
• Designed under SANKALP, the fellowship aims to address the challenge of non-availability of personnel for implementation of various programmes at national, state and district levels.
  • SANKALP stands for Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion.
  • Launched by the Government in January 2018, it is a World Bank loan assisted project that aims to strengthen institutional mechanisms for skill development and increase access to quality and market-relevant training for youth across the country.

MGNF is a unique blend of academic and work-based training handled at the IIM campus and the districts, respectively. 

• Eligibility: 21-30 years age-group, have a graduation degree from a recognized university and be citizens of India.
  • Proficiency in the official language of the state of fieldwork.
• Significance: The sharp focus on developing skills for local needs gives impetus to the “vocal for local”, and also building an industry-relevant skill base will help the cause of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

Source: PIB