Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)

Over 69 percent of the country’s youth population, or 180 million people between the ages of 18 and 34, live in rural areas. About 55 million of these are bottom-of-the-pyramid kids from poor homes with little or minimal jobs. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana focuses on rural kids between the ages of 15 and 35 who come from low-income homes.

This program invests in projects offered by its training partners, offers technical assistance, and delivers high-quality skill training to underprivileged rural adolescents.

Through workshops and conferences, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana engages with industry leaders. Industries are encouraged to collaborate with DDU-GKY as a Project Implementing Agency (PIA) and/ or to own a training batch to provide long-term training for improved placement outcomes.

What is Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana?

DDU-GKY is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-based placement-linked Skill Training Initiative.

The flagship initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) of the Government of India is DDU-GKY (formerly Aajeevika Skills Program) (GoI). Through its particular focus under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, the program aims to alleviate rural poverty by providing career-promoting skills and placements (NRLM). The poor rural youth are DDU-main GKY’s focus, with priority given to disadvantaged groups like SC/ST women and other minorities. The concept emphasizes partnership-based skilling and placement delivery while focusing on market-led training programs to assure employability.

How Does Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana Work?

DDU-GKY provides funding to private education and skill training professionals so that they can open advanced, contemporary, and well-equipped training centers near you. State governments have a specific department, known as State Skill Missions, that oversees and evaluates these training centers and initiatives. Qualified trainers will teach you not just a job-related skill, but also how to use computers, tablets, how to speak English, and other life skills at these training centers. They will also get you a job with reputable firms after you complete your training program.

You are entitled to entirely free training in the training centers, including all essential books and study materials, a Tablet PC, and uniforms. You will be provided with free lodging and meals at residential training centers. In non-residential training centers, you will be reimbursed for travel expenses as well as one mean for each day of training completed. The training center will also assist you in obtaining biometric identification cards, a bank account, and, if necessary, insurance. DDU-GKY will also pay you a salary top-up every month for 2-6 months after you are put in a job, depending on where you are placed.

Features of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana

Multi Partner Approach

To ensure success and maximize the time and resources invested, DDU-GKY recognizes the importance of enlisting the help of many partners. The DDU-GKY initiatives are market connected and implemented in PPP manner in order to excite and generate mass support as well as create awareness among rural youth. DDU-GKY is able to utilize the strengths of all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, educational institutions, apex skill partners and regulating agencies, the government, and private enterprises, to create transformative change.

NCVT (National Council on Vocational Training) or SSCs provide curriculum development and assessment help (Sector Skills Councils). Industry collaborations provide access to cutting-edge technology as well as on-the-job training. There are specialized training hours for soft skills, spoken English, and basic computers in well-equipped residential and non-residential campuses with industry-standard equipment. Click here to learn more about NCVT, and here to learn more about SSC.

Through the help of our training partners and employer involvement, our staff works tirelessly to ensure that we can achieve a minimum placement of 70% of the project target for all trainees. With a proposed monthly income of INR 6,000/- as the minimum (varying based on training acquired).

Focus on Sustainability

Soft skills training, like teamwork, has been emphasised by industry exchanges as being more vital than domain skills, which they gain on the job. DDU-GKY has prescribed a minimum of 160 hours of soft skills, functional English, and computer literacy training to guarantee that candidates can perform in their work areas as well as assimilate into the company and society. Work Readiness training is also recommended as a final session to guarantee that trained applicants hit the ground running wherever they join.

The scheme has implemented methods to track performance post-placement, and pay top-ups for candidates through DBT. Additionally, it employs processes that provide incentives for training partners for achieving retention and advancement outcomes. Further, it devises a framework for the construction and management of a migration support center.

The scheme provides free training, free uniform, free course material, free lodging and board in residential programs. The scheme also provides reimbursements of expenses in non-residential programs. Additionally, it offers post-placement salary top-ups every month for 2-6 months depending on location of placement. Further, the scheme offers placements for at least 70% of all trained with a minimum salary of Rs. 6,000/- per month.

Quality Assurance Framework

Creating predictability in government processes by setting minimum service level benchmarks and standards, controls and audits, defaults, and corrective actions. These processes are applicable in an all-encompassing quality assurance framework comprising Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures to decrease Inspector Raj (SOPs). The framework’s high point is inclusiveness and self-regulation, with Q-Teams allocated roles and tasks inside the PIAs.

Furthermore, the end-to-end adoption of the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) as the route for money disbursements and audits promotes openness and accountability. This permits DDU-GKY to invest in private sector capacity creation. It does so by front-loading 25% of training costs, allowing PIAs to invest in high-quality training centers without being constricted.

Employing Technology in implementation

The program recognizes the value of technology exposure on a global and local level. Moreover, it not only unifies us but also facilitates training, project monitoring, and implementation. The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana uses the following methods through its training partners:

• A Geo-Tagged Time Stamped Biometric Attendance Record: Such a record is comparable to what candidates will discover at most companies. This has a dual purpose: it acts as a monitoring tool while also introducing candidates to modern technology. 
• At the training center, each candidate will receive a Tablet PC. Candidates can learn at their own pace as a result of this. Computer labs and e-learning are available at training centers. Consequently, this guarantees that all candidates have access to a diverse curriculum and ample learning opportunities.
• DDU-GKY ensures that all Training partners invest in IT infrastructure as part of its management process and MIS requirements. It is working on a national network for sharing real-time performance data, meaningful graduate and financial information. The aim is to create a strong independent Placement Initiative.

Eligibility for DDU-GKY

The following individuals are eligible for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana:

1. Women
2. Persons belonging to particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs),
3. Persons with disabilities (PWDs),
4. Transgender and other special groups (rehabilitated bonded labour, victims of trafficking, manual scavengers, trans-genders, HIV positive persons amongst others)

Benefits of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana

The following are the benefits under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana for an applicant:

• The Training Centre offers completely free skill training. There are no registration, examination, or certification fees, and there are no placement fees.
• Food and lodging are provided for free in a residential training program.
• Transportation and meal costs will be reimbursed and will be deposited directly into your bank account.
• Uniforms, books, and learning materials are all available for free.
• One computer per user, free access to a computer in the computer lab with working internet.
• Free use and learning of a tablet PC at the training center.
• After successfully completing the training program, you will receive a DDU-GKY Skill Training Certificate from NCVT or SSC.
• Job interviews and placement chances are available free of charge. And a job that pays at least Rs. 6,000 per month.
• Free counselling and guidance from the training centre or Migration Support Centre.
• Post Placement salary top-up every month for 2-6 months as per:
  • If you are placed in your State of Domicile, in a town smaller than your District HQ, then for 2 months, directly transferred to your bank account
  • If you are placed in your State of Domicile, in the District HQ or larger towns, then for 3 months, directly transferred to your bank account
  • Further, in case you are placed outside your State of Domicile, then for 6 months, directly transferred to your bank account
• In the case of an industrial internship, you can receive the following benefits:
  • One-time payment of Rs. 4,500/- for transport to and from the placement to and from your home, directly deposited into your bank account.
  • 5,000 rupees per month Stipend paid immediately to your bank account for a period of 12 months from the commencement of the job. This will only be paid if your employer provides proof that you are currently employed.
  • A job with a minimum wage of Rs. 10,000/- per month after 12 months of successful training.

How to Enrol for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana?

You can enrol for the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana through the following process:

• Enroll with your Gram Panchayat or Gram Rozgar Sewak.  They will then refer you to a nearby Training Centre or its mobilization staff. The staff will meet with you and provide you with counseling and guidance.
• Locate a nearby training facility and make direct contact with them.
• Find the contact information for the training center that teaches the trade you want to study.
• Click “Apply Now” and fill out the “Candidate Registration” form on the Kaushal Panjee website.
• Whatever method you select, the representatives will contact you, visit you at home, and speak with you, your parents, friends, and others. The representatives then drive you to a local training center and stay with you until you’ve enrolled.

What are the Documents Needed to Enrol?

The applicants must submit the following documents to apply for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana:

• Aadhaar Card or Election ID Card or Birth Certificate for proof of identity and age.
• BPL Card of the candidate or BPL Card of any household member of the candidate
• MGNREGA worker card of any member of the candidate’s household, with a minimum of 15 days of completed work.
• Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) card of the candidate’s household.
• Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or BPL PDS card of the candidate’s household.
• NRLM-Self Help Group identification or certificate for any member of the candidate’s household.
• SC/ST Certificate issued by a competent authority, if claiming reservation or relaxation in age limit.
• Disability Certificate issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner, if claiming reservation or relaxation in age limit.

What is PIA under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana?

DDU-GKY assists in poverty eradication by providing training and placement for applicants through cooperation with Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs). DDU-GKY has a specialized Partner Registration process where Training Partners or PIA can register by filling out a simple e-Form.

Any recognized organization, with the exception of sole proprietorships and partnerships, can seek to become a Training Partner. If an organization is already registered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) or works with them as a partner, it can apply for DDU-GKY directly.

A PIA must have a positive net worth in at least two of the previous three financial years. Additionally, a PIA must have a turnover of at least 25% of the project cost being proposed at the time of application.

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana prefers the following partners:

• Champion Employers- Employers who successfully train and place 5,000 or more rural poor youth candidates in two years are eligible to become ‘Champion Employers’ with DDU-GKY. Throughout the term of the MoU, champion personnel must train and place a minimum of 2,500 rural underprivileged kids each year.
• Captive Employers- Businesses that may employ 500 or more people in their own company or one of their subsidiaries and have adequate in-house training facilities are eligible to collaborate with DDU-GKY as Captive Employers.
• Industry Internships- Organizations having a yearly revenue of more than Rs.100 crores and the ability to provide Industrial Internship opportunities for more than 500 individuals are eligible to become DDU-GKY partners.
• Foreign Placements- Organizations who can train and place more than 500 individuals worldwide are eligible to join DDU-GKY as partners.
• Educational Institutes of High Reputation- Institutes with an NAAC grading score of more than 3.5 CGPA or a community college recognized by AICTE or invested in by the UGC with the ability to train and place individuals in paid employment are eligible to be DDU-GKY partners.

What Skills Can Applicants Choose From?

You can select from over 550 crafts or job-oriented positions. Such positions range from a welder who makes Maruti cars to a Salesperson who sells expensive clothing to a Back-Office expert who works on computers. Currently, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana provides training in a variety of positions.

Occupational standards have been taken into consideration when developing skill-building programs. Occupational Standards define what employees must do, know, and understand in order to perform a specific work function or role. DDU-GKY offers training programs with NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) or SSC (Sector Skills Council) of NSDC-recommended curriculum (National Skill Development Council). The government and most private-sector businesses accept the Certificate of Training from NCTV and/or SSC as a symbol of learning and achievement that will lead to a higher-paying employment.

You can choose from one of the 52 specified industry sectors; any of these sectors could provide you with a job opportunity.

The greatest thing for you, though, is to be chosen for instruction in a skill at which you currently excel. You may take an online aptitude test right now to find out what you are strong at. This will reveal what you excel at. Then all you have to do is go to a DDU-GKY center near you that offers this course.

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