The National Skill Development Policy issued in March 2009 states that the demand for skilled manpower by 2022 is 50 Million. Due to increasing urbanization, 50 Million non-farm employment opportunities will be created during the 12th Five Year Plan period and same number of people would be provided certified skill training.

The Employment through Skills Training & Placement (EST&P) Component under NULM is designed to provide skills to the unskilled urban poor as well as to upgrade their existing skills. The program will provide for skill training of the urban poor to enable them setting up self-employment ventures and for salaried jobs in the private sector. The EST&P Program intends to fill the gap between the demand and availability of local skills by providing skill training programs as required by the market.