RURAL EMPLOYABILITY AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES:AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF DDU-GKY AND EMPLOYMENTPROSPECTS FOR YOUTH IN VIDARBHA REGION

Abstract

India's demographic dividend presents a significant opportunity for economic growth; however, the employability of rural youth remains a major concern, especially in economically distressed regions such as Vidarbha in Maharashtra. Skill development initiatives have emerged as critical policy interventions to bridge the gap between education and employment. The Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is a flagship placement-linked skill development programme implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, aimed at improving livelihood opportunities for rural poor youth. The present research paper examines the role of employability skills developed under DDU-GKY and analyses employment prospects, opportunities, and implementation challenges for youth in the Vidarbha region. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design using both primary and secondary data. The research evaluates technical skills, soft skills, communication skills, digital literacy, and life skills imparted under DDU-GKY. It also analyses placement outcomes, migrationrelated employment, gender participation, and retention challenges. The study identifies that while DDUGKY significantly enhances employability skills and employment opportunities, challenges such as awareness gaps, regional mismatch, post-placement retention, and industry linkage limitations affect programme effectiveness. The paper concludes with policy recommendations including localized skill mapping, stronger employer partnerships, entrepreneurship promotion, and post-placement mentoring. The study contributes to policy discourse on rural skill development and sustainable livelihood generation in backward regions like Vidarbha.