DDU-GKY Rural Skill Development Scheme Performance Update
The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), operating under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), has achieved significant outcomes in rural skill development and employment generation since its inception in 2014-15. The scheme has trained 18.45 lakh rural youth candidates, with 11.44 lakh receiving certification and 12.35 lakh securing placements through placement-linked skilling programs.
Financial Utilization and State-wise Allocation
Cumulative funds released under DDU-GKY total ₹1,406.86 crore, while actual utilization has reached ₹4,122.81 crore across states and union territories, with many states carrying opening SNA balances from April 1, 2021. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest utilization at ₹446.86 crore despite zero funds released during the period, followed by Maharashtra (₹223.54 crore), Andhra Pradesh (₹160.43 crore), and Bihar (₹158.75 crore). Several states including Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh showed zero funds released but significant utilization from previous balances.
Quality Assurance and Impact Assessment
The scheme design ensures training quality and employability through a reimbursement model where Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) receive funds only after ensuring 6 months of employment for at least 70% of trained and certified beneficiaries. A 2025 impact assessment conducted by Transrural Agri Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd. revealed that beneficiaries experienced an average salary growth of 30.79% over three years, achieving an average monthly salary of ₹16,500.
Social Inclusion Mandates and Program Enhancements
DDU-GKY incorporates mandatory social inclusion norms requiring 50% participation from SC/ST communities, 33% women candidates, and 3% Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Recent enhancements include shifting from project-mode to batch-mode payments for faster and more accountable disbursals, extending the minimum employment requirement from 3 to 6 months with 12-month tracking support for job continuity, and expanding the program scope to include self-employment and gig economy opportunities to promote entrepreneurial capabilities and local enterprise development.