Finance Minister Arun Jaitley described "energising youth through education, skills and jobs" as one of the Government's 10 important focus areas.
He unveiled measures to leverage India's "huge demographic advantage" and maximise the employability potential of the youth, and also announced a `4,000-crore programme SANKAlP, under Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, aimed at providing market relevant training to 3.5 crore youth.
He said the Government proposes to extend Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras to more than 600 districts across the country, from 60 at present.
Besides, Jaitley said the next phase of Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) will be launched in 2017-18 at a cost of `2,200 crore, which will focus on improving on the quality and the market relevance of vocational training provided in ITIs and strengthen the apprenticeship programme through industry-cluster approach.