Why in News?

• To boost skill development at the district level, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a contract with the IIM Bangalore for introducing a two-year fellowship programme Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) programme.

MGNFP:

 

• 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.
• The MGNF programme has an in-built component of on-ground practical experience with the district administration.
• It is launched on a pilot basis in 75 districts across Gujarat, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• Eligible fellows for the programme have to be in 21-30 years age-group, have a graduation degree from a recognized university and be citizens of India.
• Proficiency in official language of state of fieldwork will be mandatory.Its unique design will allow the Fellows to take academic learning at IIM Bangalore and use it in the field under faculty mentorship with the goal of understanding challenges and barriers that district ecosystem faces in fostering growth and development.

Aim and Objectives:

 

• MGNF seeks to create a cadre of young individuals and train them in a blended academic programme that provides both academic inputs and a component of field immersion at the district level.
• Besides allowing for an immersive experience to fellows under the programme, MGNF will also be an attractive proposition for those who wish to eke a career in public policy.
• Fellows in the two-year blended programme with academic module at IIM-B & district emersion program will train with district administration officials.
• They are expected to enrich skilling programmes by bringing in fresh thinking to local planning, execution, community interaction and outcome management.
• Fellows will receive a stipend of Rs. 50,000 in the first year and Rs. 60,000 in the second year.
• On completion of their engagement, they will be awarded a Certificate in Public Policy and Management from IIM Bangalore.

SANKALP:

• 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
• Four key result areas have been identified under SANKALP viz:
• 1. Institutional Strengthening;
• 2. Quality Assurance
• 3. Inclusion and
• 4. Expanding Skills through PPPs.