CAG flags ‘11111111111’ account entry, monitoring lapses in Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana scheme
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has flagged significant gaps in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), citing weaknesses in data controls, beneficiary verification, monitoring of training centres and financial management during the scheme’s first three phases between 2015 and 2022.
In its Performance Audit Report No. 20 of 2025, tabled in Parliament, the national auditor pointed to unreliable beneficiary records, including instances where the same bank account number — such as “11111111111” — was linked to multiple beneficiaries.
The audit also found cases of identical photographs being uploaded as evidence of training at different centres.
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Physical inspections carried out across selected states revealed that several training centres were closed or non-operational at the time of audit visits. In multiple centres, Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System devices were either not installed or were not functioning, despite being mandatory under the scheme’s monitoring framework.
The CAG observed that PMKVY lacked a clear data retention policy, resulting in poor preservation of critical records such as photographic or video proof of training, as well as documents related to beneficiaries’ education and work experience.
Controls over electronic identity details and bank account information of candidates, trainers and assessors were found to be weak.
The audit also highlighted shortcomings in beneficiary onboarding. Candidates were enrolled for training without consistent adherence to prescribed eligibility criteria relating to age, education and prior experience.
The report noted the absence of a reliable mechanism to ensure that beneficiaries belonged to the scheme’s intended target groups, such as unemployed youth or school and college dropouts.
On outcomes, the CAG reported that of the candidates certified under short-term training and special project components, only about 41% were placed. In at least one state, training partners submitted incorrect or unreliable documents as proof of placement, the audit found.
Irregularities were also observed in certain Recognition of Prior Learning projects, including weak scrutiny of proposals, inadequate monitoring and unreliable documentation submitted by implementing agencies.
The report flagged issues in financial management as well, including delays in fund releases, underutilisation of state-level allocations and incorrect estimation of financial requirements. In some cases, funds were retained or transferred in violation of prescribed rules, prompting recoveries following audit observations.
Responding to the findings, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship told the CAG that corrective measures had been introduced in later phases of the scheme, including Aadhaar-based e-KYC, improved system validations and enhanced digital monitoring through the Skill India Digital Hub. The auditor, however, stressed the need for stronger oversight, robust data controls and closer alignment of training efforts with labour market demand to improve the effectiveness of the scheme.
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