Published by SkillCouncils.com | January 2026
The Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) has officially announced the First Phase Targets under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0, marking a major step toward strengthening placement-linked skill development for rural youth across the state.
This announcement signals the operational rollout of DDU-GKY 2.0, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, focused on building an industry-ready, employable, and future-ready rura l workforce.
What is DDU-GKY 2.0?
DDU-GKY 2.0 is a revamped rural skilling programme aimed at providing free, quality, and placement-linked skill training to rural youth aged 15–35 years (with age relaxation for special categories).
The scheme emphasizes:
- Outcome-based funding
- NSQF-aligned job roles
- Guaranteed placement support
- Post-placement tracking and retention
Key Highlights of the First Phase Targets in Uttar Pradesh
The first phase target allocation under DDU-GKY 2.0 covers multiple high-demand and employment-intensive sectors, including:
Priority Skill Sectors
- Healthcare & Allied Services
- Apparel & Textile Manufacturing
- Logistics & Warehousing
- Electronics & Electricals
- IT & IT-enabled Services
- Retail & Service Sector
- Green Jobs (Solar PV Installer, Surya Mitra)
- Automotive & Electronics Repair
All training programmes are aligned with National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) standards, ensuring national recognition and career mobility.
Focus on Placement-Linked and Industry-Driven Training
Unlike traditional skilling models, DDU-GKY 2.0 mandates placement linkage, ensuring that trained candidates transition into wage employment or self-employment opportunities.
Each training programme includes:
- Domain skill training
- Soft skills & English communication
- IT and digital literacy
- Entrepreneurship and financial literacy
- Post-placement support up to 12 months
This integrated approach improves job retention, career progression, and income sustainability.
Empowering Rural Youth and Marginalized Communities
The programme places strong emphasis on social inclusion, with priority coverage for:
- Women candidates
- SC/ST communities
- Minorities and persons from economically weaker sections
- Aspirational and rural districts
By focusing on equitable access, DDU-GKY 2.0 supports poverty alleviation, migration support, and inclusive economic growth in Uttar Pradesh.
Digital Monitoring and Quality Assurance
DDU-GKY 2.0 uses a technology-driven monitoring framework through the Kaushal Rural portal, ensuring:
- Real-time tracking of training and placements
- Performance-based evaluation of PIAs
- Transparency in fund utilization
- Enhanced accountability and quality control
Only compliant and performance-driven Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs) are eligible for continued participation.
Opportunities for Training Partners and Employers
The announcement of Phase-1 targets opens new opportunities for:
- Skill training providers
- Sector Skill Councils
- Industry partners and employers
- Placement agencies and aggregators
Industry collaboration ensures that training content remains relevant, demand-driven, and aligned with labour market needs.
Way Forward: Strengthening the Rural Skill Ecosystem
With the rollout of DDU-GKY 2.0 Phase-1, Uttar Pradesh is positioned to become a key contributor to India’s rural workforce transformation. The programme is expected to generate sustainable employment opportunities, reduce rural unemployment, and strengthen the formal economy.
As implementation progresses, SkillCouncils.com will continue to track updates, policy changes, target allocations, and best practices across the skill development ecosystem.
📌 Why This Matters for Skill Development Stakeholders
✔ Training Partners & PIAs
✔ CSR & Industry Employers
✔ Policymakers & Skill Missions
✔ Rural Youth & Career Aspirants
DDU-GKY 2.0, Uttar Pradesh Skill Development, UPSRLM, Rural Youth Employment, Placement Linked Training, Skill India, NSQF Job Roles, Government Skill Scheme, Kaushal Rural
