Only 65% get jobs, 6 lakh youth remain unplaced; panel flags rural jobs scheme’s placement gap
The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) has trained 18.38 lakh rural youth but successfully placed only 11.94 lakh candidates, leaving a
DDU-GKY Placement Gap: Only 65 Get Jobs, 6 Lakh Youth Unplaced
Theindiapostdaily.com – The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) has trained 18.38 lakh rural youth but successfully placed only 11.94 lakh candidates, leaving a significant number without employment outcomes. According to a parliamentary panel report, the government acknowledges an overall placement ratio of around 65 per cent against the scheme’s 70 per cent target. This means Only 65 get jobs 6 lakh rural youth remain unplaced despite completing their training programs.
The Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, headed by Congress MP Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka, has flagged multiple concerns regarding the scheme’s performance. Beyond the placement gap, the committee identified inadequate post-placement salaries as a critical issue contributing to high dropout rates and distress migration among beneficiaries.
“The Committee are concerned to note the significant gap in placements under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) where a large number of trained rural candidates remain without employment outcomes alongside inadequate average post-placement salaries that contribute to high dropout rates and distress migration,” the report stated.
Scheme Targets and Ministry Response
The DDU-GKY scheme aims to provide regular monthly wages at or above minimum wages to rural poor youth. It maintains a minimum placement requirement of 70 per cent of those trained, including at least 50 per cent in wage employment. Additionally, the scheme requires a minimum of six months of placement and 12 months of tracking for each beneficiary.
When responding to questions about the non-placement of around six lakh candidates, the ministry confirmed: “The overall country’s 65 per cent current placement ratio is a fact. But it varies statewise.” The committee emphasized that the focus should now shift to what happens to beneficiaries after they secure jobs, recommending near 100 percent placement tracking through mandatory industry linkages and localised placement drives.
Gender Barriers and Climate Resilience
An independent evaluation cited in the report, covering 5,000 trainees across 10 states and 30 districts between April 2016 and December 2023, found an average placement rate exceeding 65 per cent. The evaluation revealed that 86.73 per cent of placements were aligned with the trainees’ trades, while average salary growth was 30.79 per cent with an average monthly salary of around ₹16,500.
The scheme has placed 8.73 lakh female candidates against 9.64 lakh male candidates, though it maintains a mandatory target of 33 per cent women among those trained. Despite significant mobilisation of women into self-help groups under DAY-NRLM, the committee noted that women’s participation in DDU-GKY and RSETI training remains relatively low. Safety concerns, childcare support needs, and suitable trade options were identified as gender-specific barriers.
The committee also highlighted increasing vulnerability of rural livelihoods to climate change, noting limited integration of green skills and climate-resilient practices in current skilling programmes. Recommendations include incorporating climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable livestock management into DDU-GKY and related programmes.
Revised Guidelines and Future Outlook
The government introduced revised DDU-GKY 2.0 guidelines from April 1, 2025, which increase the minimum placement period from three to six months and shift funding to batches based on achievement of milestones. The revised framework also allows self-employment and gig employment while retaining the 70 per cent overall placement requirement.
The committee further sought enhanced migration assistance, retention monitoring, and skill upgradation opportunities. They recommended that Performance of Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) should be assessed on the basis of sustained employment and retention of beneficiaries in addition to initial placements to improve long-term livelihood outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current placement rate under DDU-GKY? A: The current placement rate stands at approximately 65 per cent, falling short of the 70 per cent target set by the scheme.
Q: How many rural youth remain unplaced under DDU-GKY? A: Out of 18.38 lakh trained youth, 6 lakh candidates remain unplaced, representing the placement gap identified by the parliamentary panel.
Q: What changes does DDU-GKY 2.0 bring? A: The revised guidelines from April 1, 2025, increase the minimum placement period from three to six months and allow self-employment and gig employment options.
Q: What are the main barriers for women in DDU-GKY? A: Safety concerns, lack of childcare support, and limited suitable trade options are identified as primary barriers preventing higher women’s participation in the scheme.
