Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana: Strengthening Rural Livelihoods through Skill Development and Employment

The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), implemented under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), is a key Government of India intervention aimed at promoting livelihood diversification, enhancing employability and reducing rural poverty. The programme focuses on equipping rural youth with industry-relevant skills and facilitating sustainable employment through placement-linked training.

Under DDU-GKY 2.0, revised guidelines have been operationalised from FY 2025-26 with greater emphasis on industry-driven training, sustainable employment, post-placement support, upskilling and reskilling, and flexibility in training delivery. Emerging sectors such as electric vehicle maintenance, renewable energy, logistics, healthcare, care economy, retail, hospitality, and media and entertainment have been accorded priority in line with evolving labour-market requirements.

Since inception, approximately 18.45 lakh rural youth have been trained, while around 12.35 lakh candidates have secured employment. Training has been extended across sectors including apparel, automotive, construction, electronics, healthcare, IT-ITeS, logistics, retail, telecommunications, agriculture and allied activities.

The revised framework strengthens the employment ecosystem by mandating industry partnerships, employer agreements, job fairs, campus placements and engagement with Sector Skill Councils. DDU-GKY 2.0 also provides for one year of post-placement tracking and support, counselling, migration assistance, alumni engagement, grievance redressal and opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. The framework targets at least 70% placement, with long-term employment outcomes and career progression receiving increased policy attention.

For FY 2026-27, a budget estimate of ₹750 crore has been earmarked to train approximately 1.37 lakh rural youth. Further, ₹361.96 crore has been released as initial allocation to States and Union Territories, of which ₹50.89 crore has been utilised so far.

In Madhya Pradesh, DDU-GKY is being implemented through the Madhya Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission (MPSRLM). Approximately 93,000 candidates have been trained and 56,000 candidates placed since inception. For FY 2026-27, an initial allocation of ₹10 crore has been released to the State.

Overall, DDU-GKY reflects a demand-driven, industry-linked and outcome-oriented approach to rural development, connecting skill development with employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods. Through stronger post-placement support, emerging-sector training and enhanced industry participation, the programme is contributing to building a skilled rural workforce and strengthening inclusive economic growth.