PMAJAY- UNNATHI : Upskilling Programme for SC Communities of Kerala- Scheduled Castes Development Department
PMAJAY- UNNATHI : Upskilling Programme for SC Communities of Kerala
Problem
- SC youth had limited access to quality, industry-relevant skill training, which kept employability low.
- Traditional education was not aligned with current job-market requirements.
- High unemployment and underemployment persisted within marginalised SC communities.
- There was no strong, structured pathway connecting training with assured placements.
- Many women and youth risked remaining trapped in low-value or menial jobs instead of moving into modern sectors.
Solution
- Identified high-growth sectors through market analysis, so training matched real industry demand.
- Empanelled reputed training institutions and partners to deliver accredited, job-oriented courses.
- Mobilised eligible SC youth through outreach, awareness campaigns, counselling, and local-body coordination.
- Used transparent selection and enrollment, while integrating technical training with soft skills and confidence-building.
- Built in continuous monitoring, post-placement tracking, and employer linkage to support placement assurance.
Outcomes
- Employability improved as beneficiaries gained industry-relevant technical and soft skills.
- Trained candidates secured jobs, improving income and financial independence.
- Beneficiaries showed higher confidence, career awareness, and workplace readiness.
- Linkages among the Department, training partners, and industry were strengthened, creating a sustainable employment ecosystem.
- The programme supported inclusive growth and helped reduce socio-economic disparities through upward mobility.
Challenges
- Mobilising and motivating eligible SC youth was difficult because of low awareness and socio-economic constraints.
- Maintaining consistent quality and standardisation across multiple training partners was a challenge.
- Training design had to keep pace with rapidly changing industry demand and employer expectations.
- Placement and retention were affected by geographic mobility limits and adaptation to workplace culture.
- Long-term career progression remained vulnerable to changing market conditions and dependence on external training partners.
Innovations
- Shifted from a welfare-oriented model to an empowerment-driven development approach centred on livelihoods and employability.
- Adopted the Triple ‘E’ strategy—Education, Employment, and Entrepreneurship—as a structured framework for long-term self-reliance.
- Designed the programme as demand-driven and industry-aligned, rather than offering generic training disconnected from jobs.
- Curated a diverse course basket across manufacturing, healthcare, IT, logistics, tourism, EVs, drones, blockchain, cybersecurity, and hospitality.
- Combined training with compulsory or assured placement support and early placement tracking makes the model outcome-oriented rather than training-only.
SKOCH Award Nominee
Category: State Government – Scheduled Castes Development
Sub-Category: State Government – Scheduled Castes Development
Project: PM AJAY , Unnathi
Start Date: 6-30-2023
Organisation: Scheduled Castes Development Department
Respondent: D Dharmalashri
scdd.kerala.gov.in
Level: Premium Star
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Case Study
Breaking Barriers to Aviation Careers: PM AJAY Unnathi- upskilling of SC communities in Kerala
For many Scheduled Caste (SC) youth from economically weaker backgrounds, the dream of entering premium sectors like aviation often remains out of reach. High training costs, limited exposure, and lack of industry-ready skills create barriers even for qualified graduates. Recognizing this gap, PM AJAY Unnathi introduced a targeted skilling initiative in partnership with Bird Worldwide Flight Services (BWFS) at Cochin International Airport (CIAL), offering a fully funded, one-year aviation training programs for financially vulnerable candidates selected from over 6000 applicants. Beneficiary success story
Abhirami Vijayakumar, a B.Com graduate from a small village in Kollam, comes from a humble family of four—her father, Vijayan, who runs a small dry-cleaning centre, her mother Sunitha, and her younger sister who is pursuing a degree. With limited income, the family managed their daily needs carefully, often putting aside their own comforts to support their daughters’ education. Abhirami grew up understanding responsibility early, carrying not just her dreams but also the hopes of her family.
Like many young graduates, she aspired to build a stable and respectable career. But the reality was harsh. The cost of professional aviation training—nearly ₹2.5 lakh—was far beyond what her family could afford. At one point, it seemed like her dreams would remain out of reach, as financial constraints forced her to accept uncertainty over ambition.
Her life changed when she became part of PM AJAY Unnathi of scheduled caste department Selected based on financial need and potential, she joined the one-year aviation skill training programme at Cochin International Airport (CIAL). For Abhirami, stepping into that
environment was like entering a different world. The training not only gave her technical knowledge of the aviation sector but also transformed her confidence. She worked hard to improve her English communication, interpersonal skills, and professional presence—qualities she once felt unsure about.
Her perseverance paid off. After completing the programme, Abhirami secured a position as ground staff with Emirates Airlines, earning ₹22,500 per month. Today, she is financially independent and plays a vital role in supporting her family. She contributes to her household expenses, supports her father, and most importantly, helps fund her sister’s education—ensuring that her sister can dream without the same limitations she once faced.
Abhirami’s journey is not just about employment; it is about dignity, resilience, and transformation. From a small village to an international aviation career, she has rewritten her family’s story. Her success has become a beacon of hope in her community, inspiring others to believe that circumstances do not define one’s future.
With deep emotion and gratitude, Abhirami says, “Through PM AJAY Unnathi, my dreams found their wings.”
Why this deserve recognition
The programme goes beyond training—it creates real pathways to employment. Conducted within a live airport ecosystem, it provides hands-on exposure to ground handling operations, customer service, and professional workplace standards. With direct industry linkage, candidates are prepared not just for jobs, but for sustainable careers in aviation.
The impact has been significant. A total of 115 candidates have already secured placements across International airlines, Air India Express accounted for the highest number with 64 placements, followed by Aksa Air with 16 candidates. Oman Airways placed 11 candidates, while
Emirates recruited 10. Kuwait Airways provided opportunities to 5 candidates, and Etihad Airways placed 4. Gulf Air and VietJet each recruited 2 candidates, while Jazeera Airways recorded 1 placement with starting salaries ranging from ₹21,000 to ₹22,500 per month. The initiative also emphasizes inclusion, with strong participation from women, ensuring equitable access to opportunities in a traditionally less accessible sector.
PM AJAY Unnathi stands as a scalable and outcome-driven model, demonstrating how targeted support, industry partnerships, and inclusive skilling can transform lives—turning aspiration into achievement, and potential into progress
For more information, please contact:
D Dharmalashri at dharmalaasree@gmail.com
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