AI SummaryHimachal Pradesh Skill Development Allowance Scheme provides monthly cash support to educated unemployed youth of the state for skill upgradation. Government of Himachal Pradesh launched this scheme in 2013 through the Labour and Employment Department, and fresh applications for 2026-27 are accepted through Employment Exchange offices across the state.
Scheme is officially called Himachal Pradesh Payment of Skill Development Allowance to Educated Unemployed Persons Scheme, 2013. Eligible applicants get ₹1,000 per month, and physically challenged persons with 50 percent or more disability get ₹1,500 per month, for a maximum period of two years. Payment is sent directly to the bank account of the applicant.
Skill Development Allowance Scheme - Introduction
Main aim of the scheme is to help educated unemployed youth improve their technical skills through certified training institutes. Applicant chooses the sector of interest and the training institute of preference, and the allowance covers part of the expenses such as tuition, study material and travel.
Apart from general educated unemployed youth, vocational students pursuing NSQF HP courses in schools across the state can also claim the allowance, provided they meet the conditions. Training can be in sectors like IT, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and many other industry-linked trades.
Key features of the scheme are monthly cash allowance, training of applicant's choice, direct bank payment, and support for both salaried jobs and self-employment.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Skill Development Allowance Scheme |
| Official Name | Himachal Pradesh Payment of Skill Development Allowance to Educated Unemployed Persons Scheme, 2013 |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Category | Skills and Employment |
| Benefit Type | Cash allowance |
| Allowance Amount | ₹1,000 per month (₹1,500 for physically challenged) |
| Nodal Department | Labour and Employment Department, Himachal Pradesh |
| Application Mode | Offline through Employment Exchange |
Benefits
Allowance is paid for a maximum period of two years, provided the applicant meets all eligibility conditions and submits certificates on time. Monthly payment is credited to the bank account through RTGS, NEFT or ECS.
| Category | Monthly Allowance |
|---|---|
| Physically Challenged (Minimum 50 percent disability) | ₹1,500 |
| All Other Categories | ₹1,000 |
Note: Bank account must be Aadhaar-verified so that payments reach without delay.
Eligibility
Applicant must satisfy all these conditions before applying:
- Bonafide Himachali and unemployed: Must be a bonafide resident of Himachal Pradesh and currently unemployed, meaning not working in government, private sector or self-employment.
- Educational qualification: Minimum 8th class pass is required. For trades like carpentry, masonry, plumbing or blacksmithy, no minimum education is needed.
- Employment Exchange registration: Must be registered with an Employment Exchange in Himachal Pradesh.
- Family income limit: Total annual family income from all sources must be less than ₹2 lakh in the previous financial year.
- Age limit: Between 16 and 36 years. For widows, the upper age limit is 45 years.
- Clean record: Should not have been dismissed from government service or convicted of an offense leading to imprisonment of 48 hours or more. MGNREGA work does not count as employment.
Exclusions
Following persons are not eligible for the allowance:
- Current employees of state or central government, public sector undertakings or local bodies.
- Persons dismissed from service or those who have served 48 hours or more in prison.
- Families with annual income of ₹2 lakh or more.
- Persons who do not hold bonafide Himachali status.
- Applicants outside the age limits of 16 to 36 years (or up to 45 years for widows).
Application Process
Application is made offline through Employment Exchange offices. Steps are given below:
STEP 1 - Download form 'A' from the official Skill Development Allowance Scheme page of Labour and Employment Department, Himachal Pradesh, and fill it completely.
STEP 2 - Attach all required documents with the form and submit it at the Employment Exchange where the applicant is registered, or at the office in the jurisdiction where training is being received.
STEP 3 - Application can be sent by post or delivered in person. Keep the acknowledgment receipt in form 'B' safe.
STEP 4 - Every March, submit an affidavit in form 'C' to the registered Employment Exchange to continue receiving the allowance.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready while applying:
- Filled application form.
- Attested copy of Employment Registration Card (X-10).
- Income certificate issued by an Executive Magistrate within the last 6 months.
- Self-certified declaration in form 'C' confirming unemployment status.
- Attested copy of bonafide Himachali Certificate.
- Training enrollment or admission letter from the institute.
- Cancelled cheque of an active bank account.
- Proof of age and education (8th or 10th mark sheet).
- Aadhaar Card copy.
- Certificate from a competent authority if applying as a widow.
Training Terminology
'Skill Development Training' means any certified course that improves technical skills and employability. For details on which trainings are admissible and inadmissible, refer to the official scheme guidelines.
References
Official Scheme Guidelines | Skill Development Allowance Scheme Forms and FAQs | Official Department Website
FAQ's
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Unemployed bonafide residents of Himachal Pradesh aged between 16 and 36 years (up to 45 years for widows), registered with an Employment Exchange, whose family income is less than ₹2 lakh per year, are eligible.
What is the maximum duration for training?
Training duration depends on the course selected, usually from a few months up to one year. Allowance, however, is paid for a maximum of two years.
How much allowance will I get?
₹1,000 per month for general applicants and ₹1,500 per month for physically challenged persons with at least 50 percent disability.
Can I apply for multiple courses?
Yes, an applicant can upgrade skills through multiple courses as long as eligibility is maintained throughout the training period.
Is there any job placement help?
Scheme provides training-related support that improves the chances of getting a job. Actual placement depends on the tie-ups of the training program with industries.
Can employed persons apply?
No, this scheme is only for unemployed youth who want to build skills for their first or next job.
How do I submit the application?
Fill the required forms and submit them at the nearest or relevant Employment Exchange office in Himachal Pradesh. Application process is offline, so online submission is not available.