Sreeram Viswanath

Expert

Published on: Jul 30, 2026

Green Skill Development Programme

The Green Skill Development Programme, initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), aims at the development of skills in the environment and forest sector to enable India’s youth in getting gainful employment and/or self-employment. On a precise note, the program caters to the development of green-skilled workers having technical knowledge and commitment to sustainable development. It is envisaged to help in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), as well as Waste Management Rules (2016). This article is a detailed account of the initiative.

How is it Different?

Green skills, when compared to most vocational training programs, contribute to the preservation or restoration of environmental quality for a sustainable future. It includes jobs that protect ecosystems and biodiversity, reduce energy and minimize waste and pollution.

Resulting Opportunities

Candidates who undergo training under this initiative may be employed gainfully in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves, botanical gardens, nurseries, wetland sites, State Biodiversity Boards, Biodiversity Management Committees, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, industries engaged in the production/manufacturing of green products as ETP operator, tourism/ agriculture/educational and research sectors, waste management, water management, construction-related areas, etc. Besides this, some of the courses rendered here help the candidates to be self-employed.

Target

The programme was launched with a target of covering 80,000 people during the year 2018-19, 2.25 lakhs during the year 2019-20 and about 5 lakhs by the year 2021.

Proposed Expansion

Following the success of the pilot program, which was conducted in ten selected districts, steps have been initiated to expand the scope of the programme by increasing the number of courses and centres imparting the training. The activities to be performed include process-based green skills that are in demand, such as monitoring and managing activities like energy efficiency, waste, impact minimization and assessment, etc.

Pool of Master Trainers

The courses rendered by the programme would be imparted through the respective ENVIS Hubs/RPs and Institutions/Entities. The reach of the initiative would be expanded through Master Trainers, who would further train youth across the country. For this purpose, a pool of Master Trainers would be initially created for each of the courses. Graduates in science/arts and school dropouts may partake in this program as Master Trainers.

Collaborations

The Ministry welcomes any collaboration or participation from national and international organizations, institutes, agencies etc. to build a strong network, as the same could be handy for green skilling under GSDP for sustainable conservation and management of our natural resources.

How to Apply?

Applications can be made from the Home Page of the initiative’s

official website through the Apply Now option on the page. The applicant needs to specify certain basic details before submitting the online form.
Back to Learn

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Green Skill Development Programme in India for Sustainable Growth.

The Green Skill Development Programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) aimed at developing skills in the environment and forest sector. It aims to equip India's youth with technical knowledge and a commitment to sustainable development, enabling them to find gainful employment or self-employment opportunities.
The Green Skill Development Programme focuses on developing green-skilled workers who contribute to preserving or restoring environmental quality for a sustainable future. It includes jobs that protect ecosystems and biodiversity, reduce energy consumption, minimize waste and pollution, making it distinct from most traditional vocational training programs.
Candidates trained under the Green Skill Development Programme can find employment in various sectors, including zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, biosphere reserves, botanical gardens, nurseries, wetland sites, State Biodiversity Boards, Biodiversity Management Committees, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, industries producing green products, tourism, agriculture, education, research, waste management, water management, and construction-related areas. Some courses also equip candidates for self-employment opportunities.
The program was launched with a target of covering 80,000 people during the year 2018-19, 2.25 lakhs during 2019-20, and about 5 lakhs by the year 2021.
Following the success of the pilot program conducted in ten selected districts, the Ministry is expanding the scope of the program by increasing the number of courses and training centres. The expanded program will focus on process-based green skills in demand, such as monitoring and managing energy efficiency, waste, impact minimization, and assessment.
The courses under the program will be imparted through respective ENVIS Hubs/Resource Partners and Institutions/Entities. The reach of the initiative will be expanded through Master Trainers, who will further train youth across the country. A pool of Master Trainers will be created for each course, and graduates in science/arts and school dropouts can partake in this program as Master Trainers.
The Ministry welcomes collaborations or participation from national and international organizations, institutes, agencies, etc., to build a strong network for green skilling under the program for sustainable conservation and management of natural resources.
Interested individuals can apply for the program through the 'Apply Now' option on the official website's homepage. The applicant needs to provide certain basic details before submitting the online form.
The Green Skill Development Programme aims to help in the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), as well as Waste Management Rules (2016) by developing a skilled workforce committed to sustainable development.
Green skills contribute to preserving or restoring environmental quality for a sustainable future. They include jobs that protect ecosystems and biodiversity, reduce energy consumption, and minimize waste and pollution, making them crucial for sustainable development, which is the overarching goal of the Green Skill Development Programme.