The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) on 25th September 2014 as a part of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). The programme aims to improve the livelihoods of rural poor families by providing skill development and placement opportunities to rural youth. DDU-GKY primarily focuses on youth aged 15 to 35 years from poor households, with age relaxation for women and other vulnerable groups. As a key component of the Skill India Mission, it supports national initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Startup India, and Smart Cities Mission.
DDU-GKY works through a strong network of State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs), training partners, and industry stakeholders. The programme encourages innovation and quality training while supporting partners through funding, capacity building, technology-enabled monitoring, and placement assistance. Its implementation model is designed to create a skilled workforce that meets industry requirements while improving employment opportunities for rural youth.
Implemented across multiple States and Union Territories, DDU-GKY offers training in a wide range of sectors including Information Technology, Healthcare, Retail, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Construction, Logistics, and Banking & Financial Services. Training programmes combine technical skills with soft skills, digital literacy, and workplace readiness, ensuring candidates are equipped for sustainable employment and career growth.
Over the years, DDU-GKY has empowered lakhs of rural youth through skill training and placement opportunities across India. The programme continues to strengthen rural livelihoods by connecting young people with meaningful employment, industry-relevant skills, and long-term career pathways, contributing to inclusive economic growth and rural development across the country.
For more information, please visit DDU-GKY
The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) is the flagship skill development scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Launched in 2015, PMKVY aims to enable Indian youth to acquire industry-relevant skills and improve their employability through short-term training, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and specialized skill development programs. The scheme focuses on creating a skilled workforce aligned with the evolving needs of various industries and sectors.
PMKVY plays a vital role in the Skill India Mission, supporting the Government of India’s vision of empowering youth with job-ready skills and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The programme provides training across a wide range of sectors, including Information Technology, Healthcare, Retail, Hospitality, Electronics, Construction, Automotive, Logistics, and Manufacturing. Training is delivered through accredited training centres and follows nationally recognized skill standards. The scheme works closely with training partners, industry bodies, Sector Skill Councils, and state governments to ensure quality training and better employment outcomes. PMKVY emphasizes practical learning, digital literacy, soft skills, entrepreneurship awareness, and industry engagement to enhance candidates’ readiness for employment and self-employment opportunities.
Implemented across the country, including the state of Jharkhand, PMKVY has benefited lakhs of youth by providing access to skill training, certification, and employment opportunities. Through continuous upskilling and reskilling initiatives, the programme continues to contribute to workforce development, economic growth, and the creation of a skilled and future-ready India.
For more information, please visit PMKVY
The International Skills Training (IST) programme in Tamil Nadu is designed to equip youth with globally recognized skills and enhance their opportunities for international employment. Implemented through the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) and its training partners, the programme focuses on developing a workforce that meets international industry standards and employer requirements. It aims to bridge the gap between local talent and global job opportunities through specialized skill training and certification.
IST provides industry-oriented training across sectors such as Healthcare, Hospitality, Construction, Manufacturing, Information Technology, Logistics, and other high-demand international occupations. In addition to technical skills, candidates receive training in communication, workplace culture, soft skills, and language proficiency to prepare them for overseas employment opportunities.
The programme works closely with training institutions, industry experts, and international employers to ensure that training standards align with global workforce requirements. Through practical learning, certification, and placement support, IST helps candidates improve their employability and access career opportunities in international markets. Implemented across Tamil Nadu, the programme contributes to skill development, workforce mobility, and economic empowerment by enabling youth to build successful careers both in India and abroad. Through continuous upskilling and industry engagement, IST supports the creation of a globally competitive and future-ready workforce.
For more information, please visit IST
