350 Youth Secure Jobs At Gujarat DDU–GKY Fair
Newz Daddy Educational Updates
DDU–GKY Empowers 350 Rural Youth With Real Jobs at Gandhinagar Fair. The Gujarat Government Initiative.
The Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited (GLPC), functioning under the Rural Development Department of the Government of Gujarat, successfully organised a Job Fair and Alumni Meet under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU–GKY) on 22nd August 2025 at 11:00 AM at Townhall, Gandhinagar.
GLPC plays a key role in uplifting rural livelihoods. It is the nodal agency for Mission Mangalam, which supports Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural families by linking them with training and income opportunities. Hosting the event in Gandhinagar, the state capital, highlighted the seriousness of the government’s effort to make rural development central to Gujarat’s growth story.
In the presence of Hon’ble Minister Shri Raghavji Patel and Hon’ble Minister of State Shri Kunwarjibhai Halpati, more than 350 beneficiary youths were awarded employment appointment letters.
The presence of senior leaders added credibility to the initiative. For the 350 young men and women who received their appointment letters, this was not just about jobs—it was a moment of pride and recognition in front of dignitaries.
The DDU–GKY is a national initiative aimed at providing skill development and employment opportunities to rural youth. The scheme focuses on offering unique opportunities for the socio-economic upliftment of poor rural youth between the ages of 18 and 35.
This program is a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and works across India. Its design ensures that training is not just theoretical but leads to actual jobs. The scheme links rural youth to industry demand, making it a bridge between villages and modern workplaces.
Beneficiaries are assured a minimum monthly salary of ₹10,000, along with free uniforms, study material and bags, travel allowance for non-residential training, and free boarding and lodging facilities for residential training.
These benefits make training affordable and accessible even for the poorest families. Parents don’t need to worry about food, travel, or training costs, ensuring their children can focus fully on learning skills.
Special priority is given under this scheme to Scheduled Castes (6.58%), Scheduled Tribes (23.12%), Minorities (6.64%), Women (33%), and Persons with Disabilities (5%). Training is imparted in more than 40 technical and non-technical sectors, certified by the Sector Skill Council (SSC).
This special focus ensures inclusivity. Women and differently-abled candidates especially benefit, breaking traditional barriers in rural areas. With certifications from the Sector Skill Councils, trainees get recognised qualifications that are accepted across industries in India.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister Shri Raghavji Patel said: “Providing education, skills, and employment opportunities to rural youth and making them self-reliant is the true path of national development. To realise this vision, the DDU–GKY scheme has been launched with a dedicated focus on training and creating employment opportunities for rural youth.”
His message was clear—when rural youth are given opportunities, the entire nation benefits. Self-reliance in villages directly contributes to the country’s growth and stability.
Hon’ble Minister of State Shri Kunwarjibhai Halpati, quoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, said: “Our Prime Minister has given a clear vision for the nation — Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas. Development is not for a few, but for all, and the government is committed to taking every section of society along. DDU–GKY embodies this vision by translating it into skill development and employment opportunities for youth across the country.”
By linking DDU–GKY to the Prime Minister’s vision, the Minister highlighted how this scheme fits into the broader national agenda of inclusive growth, ensuring that no section of society is left behind.
During the Job Fair, former trainees shared their success stories. One beneficiary said, “This job has fulfilled my family’s dream. Now I can contribute to my household income.”
Another differently-abled young woman emotionally shared: “Before coming here, people called me helpless due to my disability, saying no one would give me a job. But through the training I received under DDU–GKY, I not only got a job but also the opportunity to prove myself. Today, I stand as an independent and respected woman.”
These personal stories reflected the emotional power of the program. They showed how DDU–GKY does more than just provide jobs—it restores dignity, builds confidence, and changes how society views individuals from marginalised groups.
So far, over 30,000 youths have been trained across various sectors, out of which more than 23,000 have successfully secured employment.
This placement rate of nearly 75% shows the efficiency of the scheme. It also proves that skills taught under DDU–GKY are in line with the needs of industries, creating a sustainable bridge between rural training centres and job markets.
Thus, by strengthening rural youth through skills, training, and employment, the Government of Gujarat is making a significant contribution to the development of villages. Through DDU–GKY, rural youth are not just finding jobs but also gaining confidence, new hope, and a new direction.
The program has now become a model for rural transformation. With every appointment letter handed out, Gujarat is not just creating workers—it is building a generation of skilled, independent, and empowered young citizens.
