Overview

The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) aimed at alleviating rural poverty by providing skill training and placement-linked employment to poor rural youth.

Key Objectives

• Equip rural youth (aged 15–35) from poor households with employable skills.

• Ensure placement in jobs that offer regular monthly wages (at least at the semi-skilled minimum wage level).

• Promote sustainable livelihoods by linking skill development with employment.

Core Features of DDU-GKY 2.0

1. Placement-Focused Approach:

   • Moves from training outputs to job placement outcomes.

   • Emphasizes retention in jobs for at least 6 months post-training.

2. Inclusive Participation:

   • Targets poor rural youth, especially SC, ST, women, and minorities.

   • Skilling programs are free and include support for transport, boarding, lodging, and post-placement assistance.

3. Structured Skilling Process:

   • Eight-step skilling journey: Awareness → Mobilization → Counselling → Selection → Training → Assessment → Placement → Post-placement Support.

4. Migration Support:

   • Migration Support Centres (MSCs) assist youth relocating for jobs.

   • Focus on minimizing hardships due to relocation.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

   • Concurrent tracking of inputs (training infra, TLMs), outputs (certification), and outcomes (job retention).

   • Use of Kaushal Bharat (ERP platform) for project management.

6. Stakeholder Involvement:

   • Implemented through Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs), with support from State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) and District Administrations.

7. Special Initiatives:

   • Roshni: Focuses on skill development in left-wing extremist-affected and aspirational districts, with mandatory residential training and a 40% quota for women.

   • Himayat: Exclusive for J&K and Ladakh, covering both rural and urban youth, and allows self/gig employment.

8. State Ownership and Performance:

   • States are required to co-fund and take charge of implementation.

   • Projects not placing 50% of trained youth by March 31, 2025, will be closed.

Transparency and Accountability

• Public disclosure of project details, financials, and outcomes via the DDU-GKY portal.

• Grievance redressal system including toll-free helpline and online tools.

• Social audits to evaluate inclusiveness, trainee satisfaction, and program delivery.

Financials & Support Components

• Budget allocation for various components: job melas, counselling, alumni support, capacity building, tracking, and monitoring.

• Special funding norms for foreign placements, uniform, travel, incentives, and infrastructure