Every individual desires to boost their career and complete higher education. To support this need, the Ministry of Rural Development of India launched the DDUGKY.

This scheme offers skill-based training and education to poor Indian youths. It ensures that the youth are skilled and capable of securing a job.

Keep reading to learn about DDUGKY meaning and how it functions.

The DDUGKY or Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushal Yojana is a Central backed initiative launched in September 2015.

This scheme comes under the Ministry of Rural Development that aims to encourage talented youths. It offers skill-based education to rural children aged 15-25.

This ensures that the trained youths are capable of securing a job and supporting their family.

India’s unemployment rate in rural areas as of 18th November 2021 stands at 6.78%. This indicates the need for skill development and career opportunities.

Hence, the scheme extends placement opportunities to individuals after completing the skill training. The Centre has extended nearly ₹1500 crore to support this cause.

Let’s check how the scheme works to understand the concept better.

Ideally, the DDUGKY project runs on the fund offered by the Central Government. They finance the professionals or teachers to start progressive and well-equipped training centres.

These qualified tutors offer lessons on career-oriented skill training. For instance, they teach how to use a computer or laptop, life skills, spoken English, etc.

Authorities may hire capable students in the teaching centre. Eligible candidates will also receive free books, training materials, tablets, uniforms and classes.

Students can avail free food and lodging facilities in residential training centres. At the same time, travelling expenses and one meal per day is available to individuals studying in non-residential centres for no cost.

However, only the eligible candidates can avail the benefits offered by this scheme.

Following are the beneficiaries of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushal Yojana.

• Individuals should belong to the age bracket of 15-34 years.
• Age relaxation of 45 years is available for women, physically disabled and ST/SC applicants.
• Daily wage labour or individuals doing odd jobs are also eligible.

The mentioned applicants will receive free skill training of 160 hours on soft skills, English, computer, etc.

Nevertheless, these applicants have to submit certain documents to prove their eligibility.

Interested applicants have to submit the following documents to make a successful application for this scheme.

• Age and identity proof- birth certificate, Adhaar card, voter ID card, etc.
• BPL card of an applicant or family member
• Rashtriya Swastha Bima Yojana card
• MGNREGA card proving at least 15 days of work completion
• Self-Help Group identification
• ST/SC certificate to validate the age limit relaxation
• Disability certificate under authorisation of a registered doctor

Apart from checking the eligibility and documentation, individuals should also know the valid features of this scheme. This will help them make an informed decision regarding the application.

Following are the features of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana.

• Multi-partner approach- This scheme follows a multi-partner path. This helps make the most out of the resources and time employed. It collaborates with educational institutions, civil society organisations, Government and private organisations, and apex skill partners.
• Sustainability- DDUGKY focuses on the sustainability of students. They offer free education, books, uniforms, job placements, lodging facilities, etc.
• Implementing technology- The training structure uses technology to impart knowledge and training. For instance, the students receive free tablets; teachers maintain a biometric attendance system, computer labs and other facilities.
• Counselling students and their parents.
• Spreading awareness in the scope of employment in pastoral areas.

Let’s check the benefits offered by Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana.

Beneficiaries of this scheme can gain the following benefits.

• A student doesn’t need to pay fees for examinations, classes, books and placement.
• Individuals get a free tablet and uniform
• They can easily access the computer lab and learn its usage
• Students receive a training certificate authorised by SSC or NCVT recognised by Government and private enterprises for job opportunities.
• NCVT and SSC offer a vocational training program.
• Beneficiaries receive job placements with a minimum salary of ₹5000.

Eligible candidates can gain mentioned benefits after making a successful application.

Here are the steps to easily make an online application for Deen Dayal Upadhyay Yojana easily.

• Step 1: Individuals have to visit the official Kaushal Panjee website.
• Step 2: On the home page, select the candidate registration option. On the redirected page, select registration type.
• Step 3: Fill in the Socio-Economic and Caste Census, address information and personal data and click next.
• Step 4: Select the preferred training program and submit this application.

Apart from online steps, an individual can check offline methods for DDUGKY application.

• An individual can find a training centre in their locality and contact them.
• Getting enrolled under Gram Rozgar Sewak or Gram Panchayat will help find a training centre or enlistment staff to meet a candidate and offer to counsel.

Potential applicants can go through the details mentioned on DDUGKY eligibility and documentation. This will help them in streamlining the application.

They can check the official website to find details on nearby training centres and the subjects taught.