Around 70,000 Rural Youth to Start Placement-Linked Training Under DDU-GKY 2.0

The Ministry of Rural Development announced that approximately 70,000 rural youths from 24 states and union territories will commence skill-training programmes under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0 starting in October 2026. The rollout comprises 2,015 batches designed to deliver placement-linked training in partnership with private sector partners and aligned with the National Skill Qualification Framework.

So far, allocations covering 5.6 lakh training positions across more than 1,200 projects have been completed, while the remaining states are in the final stages of target allocation. In total, the scheme has assigned over 9 lakh targets to all 31 participating states and union territories for the 2026-2028 period. The ministry has called on state governments and UTs to finish target allocation to implementing agencies by 31 October 2026 and to ensure batches start on schedule. Ongoing review meetings aim to monitor progress and accelerate implementation.