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Ministry of Rural Development to roll out DDU-GKY 2.0 batches
The Ministry of Rural Development is set to roll out Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0 training batches across most States/UTs from October 2026. The Government has notified upgraded DDU-GKY 2.0 Guidelines in May 2025, and the scheme features include specific initiatives such as Roshni and Himayat.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana 2.0:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme type | DDU-GKY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. |
| Launch date | DDU-GKY has been launched on 25 September 2014. |
| Governing mission | DDU-GKY is established under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission. |
| Core provision | DDU-GKY provides for placement-linked skill training to poor rural youth. |
| Nodal ministry | DDU-GKY is governed by the Ministry of Rural Development. |
| Target group | DDU-GKY provides for placement-linked skill training to rural youth aged 15-35 years from poor households. |
| Mandatory social inclusion coverage | DDU-GKY mandates coverage of SC/ST communities (50%), women (33%), and persons with disabilities (5%). |
| Training sectors under DDU-GKY 2.0 | The DDU-GKY 2.0 framework comprises training across sectors based on industry requirements, including aerospace and aviation, agriculture, beauty and wellness, green jobs, healthcare, and textiles. |
| Initiative: Roshni (coverage) | Roshni applies to Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs. |
| Initiative: Roshni (training and women coverage) | It mandates residential skill training, with 40% coverage for women candidates. |
| Initiative: Roshni (extension to Aspirational Districts) | It has been extended to Aspirational Districts, and the focus comprises local infrastructure, education, health, natural resources, and traditional skills. |
| Initiative: Himayat (applicability) | Himayat applies to Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. |
| Initiative: Himayat (beneficiaries and employment support) | It covers rural and urban youth, including BPL and APL persons, and supports wage, self, and gig employment. |
| Initiative: Himayat (funding and implementation) | It is 100% centrally funded and implemented with State support through dedicated Mission Management Units. |
| North Eastern States earmarking | Out of the total allocation for DDU-GKY, 10% is earmarked for the North-Eastern States. |
| Hard-to-reach areas provision | There is provision for Special Area Allowance, and Project implementing agencies are eligible for an additional 10% of the Base training cost per candidate. |