Around 70,000 rural youth are set to begin skill training under the revamped Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY 2.0) across states and Union Territories from October 2026. The programme targets school dropouts and unemployed youth from poor rural households.
What’s new in 2.0
Officials say the redesigned mission places greater emphasis on emerging job roles, including logistics, healthcare support, retail, and digital services, with stronger tracking of placements after training.
Jobs focus
Training partners will be measured on sustained employment outcomes rather than enrolment alone. Migration support centres are expected to help placed candidates settle in cities.
The bigger picture
With lakhs of young Indians entering the workforce each year, rural skilling remains a critical bridge between education and employment. The rollout will be watched for placement numbers in its first two quarters.
