DDU-GKY Progress: Rural Youth Skill Training & Employment Update
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes
Why in news
The Ministry of Rural Development provided an update on Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) component DDU-GKY in Rajya Sabha on 24 July 2026. The data shows 18.45 lakh candidates trained and 12.35 lakh placed, with a budget of ₹750 crore for FY 2026-27.
Background
DDU-GKY (Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana) is a skill development and placement scheme for rural youth under DAY-NRLM. It aims to diversify livelihoods and reduce poverty by providing job-linked skills training aligned with market demands.
Key facts
DDU-GKY is part of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
As of June 2026, 18.45 lakh candidates trained and 12.35 lakh placed under DDU-GKY.
Budget Estimate for FY 2026-27 is ₹750.00 crore (central share).
States/UTs conduct skill gap studies to identify sector-wise opportunities; training proposals must be demand-driven.
At least 70% of trained candidates must be placed, with 50% in wage employment.
Post-placement support (PPS) is provided for 6 months retention and 12 months tracking.
Training sectors include 36 areas such as Aerospace, IT-ITeS, Healthcare, Green Jobs, etc.
Funds to Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs) are released based on placement achievement.
Prelims pointers
- DDU-GKY: Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
- Under DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission)
- Ministry: Rural Development
- Target: Rural youth (age 15-35)
- Placement target: 70% placement, 50% wage employment
- Post-placement support: 6 months retention, 12 months tracking
- Budget FY 2026-27: ₹750 crore (central share)
- Sectors: 36 identified including Aerospace, Green Jobs, IT-ITeS, etc.
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for skill development and employment.
- GS3: Inclusive growth, poverty alleviation, and rural development.
- GS3: Role of skill development in addressing unemployment and underemployment.
- GS2: Issues related to devolution of funds and implementation challenges in rural schemes.