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
- Placement-Focused Approach:
- Moves from training outputs to job placement outcomes.
- Emphasizes retention in jobs for at least 6 months post-training.
- 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.
- Structured Skilling Process:
- Eight-step skilling journey: Awareness → Mobilization → Counselling → Selection → Training → Assessment → Placement → Post-placement Support.
- Migration Support:
- Migration Support Centres (MSCs) assist youth relocating for jobs.
- Focus on minimizing hardships due to relocation.
- 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.
- Stakeholder Involvement:
- Implemented through Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs), with support from State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) and District Administrations.
- 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.
- 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