Jagstamp

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗔𝗬-𝗡𝗨𝗟𝗠 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗮'𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 In the bustling city of Jaipur, Meena Devi, a 35-year-old mother of two, struggled to make ends meet. Her days were spent selling handmade crafts on the streets, earning barely enough to feed her family. The lack of a stable income and the constant threat of eviction from public spaces left her in a perpetual state of anxiety. One day, during a community meeting, Meena heard about the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM). This government initiative aimed to reduce urban poverty by enhancing livelihood opportunities through skill development and self-employment support. Intrigued, Meena decided to learn more. She visited the local Urban Local Body (ULB) office, where officials explained the various components of DAY-NULM. They introduced her to the Self-Employment Programme (SEP), which provides financial assistance to individuals for setting up micro-enterprises. With guidance from the officials, Meena applied for a subsidized loan to establish a small handicraft shop. Through the Social Mobilization and Institution Development (SMID) component, Meena was also encouraged to join a Self-Help Group (SHG). This platform allowed her to connect with other women entrepreneurs, share experiences, and receive training in financial literacy and business management. The Employment through Skills Training & Placement (EST&P) component further provided her with the necessary skills to enhance her craft and manage her business effectively. With the loan and newfound skills, Meena set up her shop in a local market. The stability of a permanent location attracted more customers, and her income steadily increased. The support from her SHG peers and continuous capacity-building training under DAY-NULM empowered her to expand her product range and improve quality, making her crafts highly sought after by tourists and locals alike. Today, Meena's children attend school regularly, and she has even employed two other women from her community, providing them with a source of income. Her journey from a vulnerable street vendor to a successful entrepreneur stands as a testament to the transformative impact of DAY-NULM. Launched to alleviate urban poverty, DAY-NULM focuses on organizing urban poor households into SHGs, providing skill development training, facilitating access to credit for micro-enterprises, and offering shelters for the urban homeless. By addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the urban poor, the mission aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and improve the quality of life in urban areas. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gEiAxyQu?

𝗔 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗕𝗩𝗞𝗬 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗷𝗲𝘀𝗵 Rajesh Kumar, a factory worker in Pune, had spent years working tirelessly to provide for his family. With two children in school and a home loan to repay, his income was essential for his family’s survival. But when the factory shut down unexpectedly due to financial losses, Rajesh found himself unemployed. The uncertainty of the situation weighed heavily on him as he scrambled to find another job. During his visits to employment offices, Rajesh learned about the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY), an initiative under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). This scheme was designed to provide financial relief to insured workers like him who had lost their jobs involuntarily. Rajesh quickly checked his eligibility. He discovered that he qualified for the scheme as he had been contributing to ESIC for over two years and had experienced involuntary unemployment. With assistance from the ESIC helpdesk, he submitted his application online, attaching the necessary documents, including his Aadhaar card, ESIC number, and a declaration of unemployment. Within weeks, Rajesh received financial assistance equivalent to 50% of his average daily wages for up to 90 days. This monetary support helped him cover his household expenses and pay for his children’s school fees while he searched for a new job. ABVKY became a lifeline for Rajesh, allowing him to maintain his dignity and meet essential needs during his period of unemployment. Eventually, he secured a new job in a nearby factory, but he never forgot how the scheme had supported him when he needed it the most. Launched in 2018, the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana has helped thousands of insured workers by offering temporary financial aid during unemployment. By covering involuntary job losses and providing accessible benefits, the scheme ensures that workers and their families are not left in distress. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gH6CJxnq?

𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗣𝗠𝗟𝗩𝗠𝗬 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀𝗵’𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 Ramesh Gupta, a 50-year-old shopkeeper in Bhopal, ran a small general store. Every day, he worked tirelessly to provide for his family, but the thought of growing older worried him. With no savings or pension plan, Ramesh feared he might become financially dependent on his children in his later years. One evening, while chatting with a fellow shopkeeper, he learned about the Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maandhan Yojana (PMLVMY). The scheme, designed specifically for small traders and shopkeepers, offered a monthly pension of ₹3,000 after the age of 60. The eligibility criteria were simple—applicants had to be between 18 and 40 years old, have an annual turnover of less than ₹1.5 crore, and lack any other pension plan. Encouraged by his friend, Ramesh visited the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) to enroll. The process was easy and free of cost. All he needed was his Aadhaar card, bank account details, and a simple declaration of his income. Based on his age of 50, Ramesh was required to contribute just ₹200 per month to the scheme, with the government matching his contribution. As months passed, Ramesh felt a sense of security that he had never experienced before. For the first time, he had a financial plan for his retirement. He even encouraged other traders in his locality to enroll in PMLVMY. Today, Ramesh’s confidence in his future has grown. He knows that once he turns 60, the monthly pension will help him cover his basic expenses and maintain his independence. The Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maandhan Yojana has brought financial security to millions of small traders, self-employed individuals, and shopkeepers across India. By addressing the needs of those in the unorganized sector, the scheme ensures that their golden years are lived with dignity and peace of mind. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/guz2a3K9?

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗹: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗣𝗠-𝗦𝗬𝗠 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗵𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 Mohan Lal, a 45-year-old street vendor in Varanasi, spent his days selling fruits on his small cart. His earnings barely covered his family’s needs, and he often worried about what the future held. With no savings or pension plan, the thought of old age filled him with uncertainty. One day, while setting up his stall, he overheard a fellow vendor discussing the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme. Curious, Mohan visited the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) to learn more. There, the operator explained that PM-SYM is a government initiative to provide a monthly pension of ₹3,000 after the age of 60 to unorganized workers earning less than ₹15,000 per month. The best part? The contribution was minimal. For someone like Mohan, aged 45, the monthly contribution was just ₹100, and the government would contribute an equal amount. It felt like an opportunity he couldn’t miss. Mohan enrolled that very day, submitting his Aadhaar card and a simple self-declaration of his income. Years passed, and Mohan continued his work, secure in the knowledge that his old age would not burden his children. As he turned 60, he received his first pension payment, a moment of immense relief. The monthly ₹3,000 now helps him meet his basic needs with dignity. PM-SYM has been a lifeline for millions like Mohan, ensuring retirement security for workers in the unorganized sector—street vendors, domestic workers, and laborers—who often lack access to formal pension systems. With a focus on inclusivity, the scheme has simplified enrollment and made it accessible even in the remotest corners of India. For Mohan, PM-SYM is more than a pension scheme—it’s a promise of dignity and independence in his golden years. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/geKkmwUp?

𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸: 𝗣𝗠𝗞𝗩𝗬 𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 In the bustling streets of Surat, 21-year-old Pooja Patel found herself at a crossroads. After completing her schooling, she had neither the financial resources to pursue higher education nor the skills to secure a stable job. Her father, a textile worker, wanted her to find a way to support herself in the competitive job market, but opportunities seemed out of reach. That’s when Pooja learned about the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, India’s latest initiative to empower youth with market-relevant skills. At a community meeting, she heard about a government-funded training center nearby, offering courses in various fields like IT, healthcare, and garment manufacturing. Intrigued, Pooja enrolled in a Digital Marketing program. Over the next few months, she gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in content creation, SEO, and social media management. The trainers were industry experts, ensuring the students were ready for real-world challenges. Pooja also received a stipend under the scheme, helping her cover travel and other expenses during her training period. What set PMKVY 4.0 apart was its focus on industry integration and placement support. After completing her certification, Pooja participated in a job fair organized by the scheme and secured a position with a local start-up. Today, she manages digital campaigns for the company, earning enough to support her family and even save for the future. PMKVY 4.0 has been a beacon of hope for millions like Pooja. With an enhanced focus on new-age skills such as AI, robotics, and green energy, the scheme addresses the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. The program also emphasizes on-the-job training, ensuring that beneficiaries gain practical experience alongside their theoretical learning. From urban centers to remote villages, PMKVY 4.0 aims to skill 10 million people by 2026. Its emphasis on inclusivity ensures that women, differently-abled individuals, and people from marginalized communities have equal access to opportunities. Pooja now mentors her friends, urging them to join PMKVY 4.0. “It’s not just about learning a skill,” she says with a smile. “It’s about reclaiming your future. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gJzjVj3t?

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 In a remote village of Bihar, Sangeeta Devi lived a life bound by tradition. Her days were spent doing household chores, while her dreams of financial independence seemed like a distant mirage. The lack of job opportunities and limited education had always been the norm for women in her community. Yet, Sangeeta held onto hope, waiting for a chance to change her life. Her opportunity arrived with the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM). The program’s local outreach team visited her village to spread awareness about the government’s skill training initiatives. Skeptical but curious, Sangeeta attended their session and learned about a tailoring course offered at the nearby Skill Development Center (SDC). It promised hands-on training, free of cost, along with placement assistance. Encouraged by the support of her family, she decided to enroll. The center was a revelation for Sangeeta. For the first time, she entered a structured learning environment that welcomed women like her. Over the next six months, she mastered the art of stitching, embroidery, and garment designing. The program also taught her entrepreneurial skills, such as budgeting, customer engagement, and time management. Her trainers often spoke about how self-reliance could transform not just individuals but entire communities. Upon completing the course, Sangeeta received her certification and a sewing machine as part of the program’s toolkit distribution initiative. With a modest start, she began stitching clothes for neighbors and friends. Soon, her intricate designs and professional finish gained her a steady stream of customers. Sangeeta’s small tailoring business grew as she started taking bulk orders from nearby towns. Word of her success spread across the village, inspiring other women to join the Skill Development Center. Sangeeta, now confident and financially independent, became a mentor for new trainees, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones. Today, she earns enough to send her children to school and contribute to her family’s income. Her journey from a homemaker to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of skill development. The National Skill Development Mission, launched in 2015, has been a game-changer for millions of Indians like Sangeeta. With its focus on market-relevant training and industry partnerships, the mission bridges the gap between education and employment. Programs like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and specialized training for sectors such as healthcare, IT, and construction have empowered India’s youth and women, particularly in rural areas. By 2025, NSDM aims to skill 400 million people across the country, transforming India into a hub of skilled labor. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gatHFcDQ?  

𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗡𝗔𝗣𝗦 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗷’𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 In a small town in Uttar Pradesh, Raj Kumar, a 20-year-old, dreamt of breaking out of his family’s cycle of laboring in fields. But opportunities seemed scarce until he heard about the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) from a local Skill Development Center. Under the scheme, Raj enrolled in an apprenticeship program with a leading automobile company. Unlike his earlier attempts to learn skills informally, this time he was assured of hands-on training alongside classroom lessons. NAPS not only covered a portion of his stipend but also provided the company with financial support for his training costs. For Raj, the experience was transformative. Over the course of a year, he mastered advanced automotive diagnostics and repair, skills that were in high demand in the industry. At the end of his apprenticeship, the company offered him a full-time job. For the first time, Raj could proudly contribute to his family’s income while pursuing a career he loved. NAPS has done this for many like Raj by bridging the gap between formal education and industry demands. By subsidizing training costs and encouraging employers to take on apprentices, the program has turned the wheels of opportunity for thousands of young Indians across diverse sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare and IT. Today, Raj shares his story with pride, encouraging others in his village to take advantage of this life-changing initiative. “It’s not just training,” he says, “it’s a pathway to a better future.” Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gvsDw-Ag?

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 For years, Ramesh, a farmer in Jharkhand, struggled with inconsistent access to markets. His crops often sold at a loss due to middlemen and a lack of real-time market prices. But in 2015, the Digital India Programme brought a wave of transformation to his village. Under the program’s BharatNet initiative, high-speed internet reached the remotest corners of India, including Ramesh’s village. With the help of local Digital Seva Kendras, he learned how to access the eNAM platform, a digital marketplace for farmers. For the first time, Ramesh could compare prices and connect directly with buyers across the state. Digital India wasn’t just about internet access—it was about empowerment. In urban areas, students like Priya discovered online learning platforms through the DigiLocker initiative, where all her school certificates and academic records were securely stored. Meanwhile, in hospitals, the eHospital system eliminated long queues as patients could now book appointments and access test results online. From rural entrepreneurs using UMANG for business registrations to housewives selling homemade crafts on GeM (Government eMarketplace), Digital India became a bridge to a new future. Its focus on Aadhaar-based e-governance services and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensured transparency, saving ₹2.2 lakh crore in subsidies by eliminating fraud and leakage. Today, Digital India connects over 6 lakh villages, enables over ₹10 lakh crore in UPI transactions monthly, and has made India a global leader in digital payments. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gDwkrJ9t?

𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗽: 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 In 2015, India launched a mission that would redefine its scientific and technological landscape—the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM). This ambitious initiative aimed to connect the country’s academic and research institutions with state-of-the-art supercomputing grids. For a nation aspiring to lead in innovation, NSM was not just a project; it was a movement. Take the case of Dr. Meera Iyer, a climate scientist at a university in Bangalore. Her research on monsoon patterns was groundbreaking, but it often faced roadblocks due to limited computing power. She needed to simulate complex atmospheric models that demanded trillions of calculations per second—far beyond the capabilities of the systems at her disposal. In 2019, her institution joined the PARAM Shivay Supercomputing Grid, one of the high-performance computing facilities established under NSM. Suddenly, the impossible became achievable. With the computational might of PARAM Shivay, Dr. Iyer not only completed her simulations but also published a breakthrough paper on early monsoon prediction. Her findings helped farmers in Maharashtra plan their sowing season, reducing losses caused by erratic weather. Meanwhile, young engineering students at IIT Kanpur marveled at the supercomputers that made cutting-edge AI research and drug discovery projects a reality. The mission emphasized indigenous development, enabling India to manufacture and design its own supercomputers, reducing dependence on foreign technology. Today, NSM has set up over 24.83 petaflops of computing power across the nation, benefitting industries, researchers, and even start-ups. From unraveling the mysteries of space to discovering life-saving drugs, India’s supercomputing prowess is touching lives in unimaginable ways. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gz3vKC7c?

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗶 In the quaint village of Bhagalpur, Bihar, lived Meera Devi, a 45-year-old homemaker. Her daily routine revolved around household chores, tending to the family's small farm, and ensuring her children attended school. Despite her dedication, Meera often felt disconnected from the rapidly advancing digital world. The nearest bank was miles away, and accessing government services required navigating through layers of bureaucracy. One evening, during a village panchayat meeting, the local sarpanch introduced the community to the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA). This government initiative aimed to make six crore rural households digitally literate, empowering individuals to operate digital devices, access the internet, and utilize online services. Intrigued by the possibilities, Meera enrolled in the program. Over the next few weeks, she learned to operate a smartphone, navigate the internet, send emails, and make digital payments. The training, conducted in Hindi, was tailored to be easily understandable, ensuring participants like Meera could grasp the concepts without difficulty. With her newfound skills, Meera's life transformed. She began using digital payment methods to buy seeds and fertilizers, eliminating the need to travel long distances with cash in hand. Accessing government schemes became simpler, as she could now apply online and track the status of her applications. Moreover, Meera started video-calling her eldest son, who worked in a distant city, bridging the emotional gap that distance had created. The ripple effect of Meera's digital literacy was felt throughout Bhagalpur. She became a beacon of change, encouraging other women to embrace the digital world. The village saw a surge in digital transactions, reducing dependency on cash and fostering a more transparent economy. Reflecting on her journey, Meera often says, "PMGDISHA didn't just teach me to use a smartphone; it opened up a world of opportunities. I feel more connected, informed, and empowered to contribute to my family's and community's growth." Meera's story is a testament to the transformative power of digital literacy, illustrating how initiatives like PMGDISHA are bridging the digital divide and empowering rural India. Learn More: https://lnkd.in/g3ka3Yw5?