Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
Why in News?
The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is in the news as it celebrated its 12th anniversary on September 25, 2026. The Ministry of Rural Development is rolling out DDU-GKY 2.0 training batches across most States and Union Territories from October 2026.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: Officially launched on 25th September 2014 (Antyodaya Diwas).
- Nodal Ministry: Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India.
- Core Objective: It functions as a placement-linked skill training initiative under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). It aims to diversify rural incomes and fulfill the career aspirations of rural youth.
- Financial Benefits for Students: The training is completely free of cost. Trainees receive free books, uniforms, and study material. Residential courses cover lodging and food, while non-residential programs offer a daily travel allowance and a meal.
- Placement Guarantee: Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) must guarantee placement for at least 75% of trained candidates.
Eligibility & Social Inclusion
- Target Age Group: Rural poor youth between the ages of 15 and 35 years.
- Age Relaxation: The upper age limit is relaxed up to 45 years for women, Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST), Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), transgender individuals, and other vulnerable groups (like manual scavengers and victims of trafficking).
- Mandatory Inclusion Targets:
- 50% allocation for SC/ST communities.
- 33% allocation for Women candidates.
- 15% allocation for Minorities.
- 5% allocation for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
About DDU-GKY 2.0
The government overhauled the guidelines to transition the scheme from basic skill training into a platform for sustainable livelihood creation. Key features of DDU-GKY 2.0 include:
The government overhauled the guidelines to transition the scheme from basic skill training into a platform for sustainable livelihood creation. Key features of DDU-GKY 2.0 include:
- Focus Sectors: Prioritises high-growth and emerging industries such as Electric Vehicle (EV) maintenance, renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, care economy, retail, and hospitality.
- Sustained Financial Support: Placed candidates receive a monthly post-placement allowance of ₹1,270 for six months (totalling ₹7,620) to smooth their transition.
- Retention Incentive: A lump-sum retention support of ₹5,000 is paid to candidates who complete a full year (365 days) of continuous employment.
- Upskilling Pathways: Extends upskilling and reskilling options after 12 months of placement to help candidates climb the career ladder.
- Migration Support Centres: Provides counselling, safe accommodation assistance, and localized transit support for youth relocating to cities for work.
Performance & Achievements (Since Inception)
- Total Trained: More than 18.47 lakh candidates have been successfully trained across 36 economic sectors and 800+ job roles.
- Total Placed: Over 12.43 lakh candidates have secured successful wage employment.
- Women Empowerment: Out of the totals, over 9.71 lakh women were trained, leading to more than 6.34 lakh successful job placements.
- Operational Network: The network spans 31 States and UTs, comprising 749 projects, 760 active training centres, and 455 partner agencies.
