Only 65% get jobs as 6 lakh youth remain jobless

The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) has trained 18.38 lakh rural youth but only 11.94 lakh found employment, resulting in a placement ratio of around 65 per cent, falling short of the scheme's 70 per cent goal, according to a parliamentary report.The Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, chaired by Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, highlighted the placement shortfall and low post-placement salaries as factors contributing to high dropout rates and migration.

The report emphasized the need for improved tracking, mandatory industry linkages, and post-training support to enhance long-term livelihood outcomes.The committee noted that while the scheme targets 33 per cent women placements, female participation remains low due to safety concerns, lack of childcare support, and limited trade options.

Recommendations included offering women-only batches, mobile training units, creche facilities, and incentives for women's training and placement.The government responded to concerns about the non-placement of around six lakh candidates, acknowledging that the current 65 per cent placement ratio varies across states. The committee advised focusing on long-term tracking and recommended aligning rural skilling with emerging livelihood challenges, such as climate change, by incorporating green jobs and sustainable practices into the program.