To address this, the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). By focusing on providing sustainable employment and fostering career growth, DDU-GKY plays a crucial role in improving the livelihoods of rural families and contributing to the nation’s economic development. Let’s explore the key features of the DDU-GKY scheme, its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and how it helps create better opportunities for the rural poor.
Objectives
The core objective of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is to provide high-quality skill training to rural youth between the ages of 15 to 35 years. Additionally, the scheme emphasizes placement assistance, post-placement support, and career progression to ensure that the trained youth achieve long-term success in their careers.
The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem of trained individuals who can contribute to the nation’s growth while also improving their own socio-economic status. Through these efforts, DDU-GKY aims to create a future where rural youth no longer have to migrate to urban centers in search of jobs, but instead can find stable employment within their communities.
Key Benefits
- Skill Training: DDU-GKY provides specialized skill training in multiple sectors like agriculture, construction, retail, hospitality, and more. The training is tailored to meet the demands of the industry, ensuring that participants are equipped with practical skills that make them competitive in the job market. These skills not only enhance employability but also help in increasing productivity in rural areas.
- Placement Assistance: The scheme goes beyond training by offering placement assistance to beneficiaries. By connecting candidates with potential employers, DDU-GKY helps bridge the gap between skilled candidates and job opportunities. The program also offers support in job search processes, including resume writing, interview preparation, and providing information on available job openings.
- Post-Placement Support: One of the standout features of DDU-GKY is its post-placement support. After candidates secure jobs, the program offers mentorship and counseling to help them adjust to the workplace environment. Additionally, beneficiaries have access to a range of resources that can help them navigate their new jobs effectively.
- Career Progression Support: DDU-GKY doesn’t stop at placement; it also aims to help candidates grow in their careers. The program provides opportunities for further training, mentorship, and access to networking opportunities, all of which support career progression. This ensures that the beneficiaries have the tools they need to climb the career ladder and achieve long-term success.
- Incentives for Higher Placements: The program encourages placing beneficiaries in jobs with higher wages by providing incentives to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs). This motivates agencies to place candidates in positions that match their skills and qualifications, ensuring that the youth receive jobs that provide financial stability.
Eligibility Criteria
The program is targeted towards poor rural youth who are aged between 15 to 35 years. However, there are provisions to extend the age limit for specific groups:
- Women candidates, and candidates from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), Transgenders, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable communities such as rehabilitated bonded labor, HIV-positive individuals, etc., can avail the program until they are 45 years old.
Eligibility for the program is primarily based on poverty identification. The process of Participatory Identification of Poor (PIP) is used to determine the eligibility of candidates. In addition, youth from the following categories are also eligible, even if they are not listed in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) list:
- Youth from households that have worked under MGNREGA (at least 15 days of work in the previous financial year).
- Youth from households with a RSBY card where the youth’s details are included.
- Youth from households having an Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or BPL PDS card.
- Youth from households that are part of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under NRLM.
- Youth from households that fall under auto-inclusion parameters of the SECC, 2011.
Documents Required for Application
To apply for the DDU-GKY program, candidates must provide the following documents:
- Proof of Identity: Any government-issued identification card, such as an Aadhar card, voter ID, etc.
- Proof of Age: Birth certificate, school records, or other documents verifying the candidate’s age.
- BPL Card (if applicable): To confirm the applicant’s eligibility as a Below Poverty Line candidate.
- MGNREGA Card (if applicable): For youth from households that have worked under MGNREGA.
- RSBY Card (if applicable): For those covered under the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana.
- AAY Card (if applicable): For those from households under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana.
- SHG Identification (if applicable): For candidates from Self-Help Groups.
- Disability Certificate (if applicable): Issued by a competent authority for candidates with disabilities.
- ST/SC Certificate (if applicable): For candidates from Scheduled Tribes or Scheduled Castes.
- Self-Certification (if applicable): For candidates from minority communities.