DDU-GKY: Government Creating New Employment Opportunities for Rural Youth Through Skill Training
Through the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), 18.45 lakh rural youths have been trained by June 2026, with 12.35 lakh securing employment.
While agriculture remains the primary source of income for families in rural areas, skill development is now opening new avenues of earnings for the youth. With this objective, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) was launched on September 25, 2014, under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The scheme focuses on youth aged 15 to 35 from disadvantaged and vulnerable families in rural areas, ensuring sustainable livelihoods by providing placement-linked skill training.
The nature of the program has evolved over time. Under the new DDU-GKY 2.0 framework, special emphasis is placed on industry-based training, long-term employment, post-placement support, and up-skilling. An integrated digital system is now being utilized for the entire process, including training, assessment, certification, and monitoring. Additionally, engagement with employers is being strengthened through campus placements, job fairs, and continuous dialogue with industries.
According to government data, by June 2026, 18.45 lakh rural youths have been trained under this scheme, out of which 12.35 lakh youths have successfully secured employment.
The positive impact of this scheme is evident in the stories of youth from various states. Vimethano Sakhri from Nagaland received training in tourism and hospitality and secured a job in the food and beverage service sector at 'The Den' in Bengaluru. Chandan Shah from the Siwan district of Bihar underwent training as an assistant electrician; after working in Baddi, he is now employed as an electrician at 'Al Shifa General Contracting' in Dubai, which has increased his monthly income to 35,000 rupees.
Similarly, Rupali Hasda from Assam received training as a 'Sewing Machine Operator.' After working at KPR Apparel Mills in Tamil Nadu, she opened her own stitching and cutting center, earning approximately 1.10 lakh rupees annually. Heeralal Pandit from Jharkhand, who is specially-abled, received training in the 'Healthcare Multipurpose' trade and found employment as a 'General Duty Assistant' at SMBT Hospital in Nashik.
According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the primary goal of DDU-GKY is to lead rural youth from training to employment, and subsequently toward a secure and sustainable livelihood.
