<h1>India Launches STAR Scheme: Rs 1,000 Crore for Skill Certification and Rewards to Benefit 1 Million in 1st Year.</h1> The Union Finance Minister unveiled the National Skill Certification and Monetary Reward Scheme, branded as STAR, aimed at enhancing vocational skills across India. With a budget of Rs 1,000 crore, the initiative seeks to benefit a million people in its first year by providing monetary rewards for skill acquisition. The scheme emphasizes rigorous assessment and certification, aligned with National Occupational Standards. It is part of the National Skilling Mission, which aims to skill 500 million Indians by 2022. The initiative is a public-private partnership under the National Skill Development Corporation, involving various ministries and sector skill councils.