Recently, nationwide alumni meetings were hosted under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) to mark India’s 75 years of Independence. Initiated by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), DDU-GKY was introduced on Antyodaya Diwas in 2014 to provide demand-driven placement linked skill training under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). The scheme aims to diversify income and offer sustainable poverty alleviation through skill training and wage employment.
About DDU-GKY
The unique aspect of DDU-GKY is its focus on rural youth from poor families, aged between 15 and 35 years. The primary objective of the scheme is to broaden the income sources of rural families and fulfill the career aspirations of rural youth. The program operates in 27 states and 3 Union Territories, currently boasting over 2198 Training Centres in 1822 projects. It has partnered with 839 Project Implementing Agencies to provide training across 56 sectors, covering more than 600 job roles.
The Significance of Alumni Meets
Alumni meets form a crucial part of the DDU-GKY scheme. These events create a conducive environment for former trainees to share their experiences on various aspects such as career goals, job placement challenges, as well as their life after training. Some alumni are also honored for their exceptional performance at work during these meetings.
Achievements of DDU-GKY
Since the inception of DDU-GKY, over 10.81 lakh trainees have been equipped in 56 sectors and 600 trades, with approximately 6.92 lakh individuals successfully finding employment. The scheme has significantly contributed to initiatives for rural development across India, such as Atmanirbhar Bharat, through skilling. As an integral part of the Skill India campaign, it has greatly supported various social and economic programs.
Other Skill Development Initiatives
Multiple initiatives have been launched alongside DDU-GKY to further skill development in India. One of them is the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0, introduced in 2021 to provide over 300 skill courses to Indian youth. In addition, the Atmanirbhar Skilled Employee Employer Mapping (ASEEM) portal, launched in 2020, aims to help skilled individuals find sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Another initiative is the Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS), providing industry apprenticeship opportunities to graduates from April 2019. The Kaushal Acharya Awards recognize outstanding skill trainers, encouraging more trainers to join the Skill India Mission. Lastly, the Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana, launched in 2016, seeks to foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship development.
Antyodaya Diwas
Antyodaya Diwas, observed on 25th September each year, commemorates the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a significant nationalist thinker and philosopher. This day, dedicated to “uplifting the poorest of the poor”, was first declared by the Indian government in 2014, simultaneously with the launch of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana.