Skill Training for Rural Transpersons in Pollachi by CIRDAP and NIRDPR
Action Lab for Inclusion of Transgender & Gender Variant Youths in Mainstream Livelihood sponsored by Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), Bangladesh & National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad
Under the Action Lab, the Training & Development team conducted an offline off-campus training program on Coco-Shell Crafting at Pollachi, Tamil Nadu in collaboration with Sahodari Foundation from 28th to 30th Jul’25. The participants in this workshop were from Transgender community who are the beneficiaries under the WYRD Project titled “Action Lab for Inclusion of Transgender & Gender Variant Youths in Mainstream Livelihood” sponsored by the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia Pacific (CIRDAP), Bangladesh & National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad.
11 rural transgender individuals were upskilled in coconut shell handcraft making under the Action Lab. They were also provided with the basic tools to get started. Coconut shells are easily available in Pollachi. There is high demand for ladles, spoons, cups and bowls made of coconut shells in India and abroad.
The participants after completion of the training program, were given the certificates and felicitated by NABARD District Development Officer (Coimbatore) Shri. Tirumala Rao and Smt. Ambika, Social Welfare Officer, Coimbatore district.
The resource person for this 3-day training program was Mr. Madhumalaran from Madhuram Handicrafts. The program was coordinated by Dr. Sandhya Gopakumaran, Director T&D, DDU-GKY Resource Cell, NIRDPR and team at the Lion’s Club Pollachi in collaboration with Sahodari Foundation. PestSkill Initiative (Maharashtra) provided additional support under CSR.
Within a month of receiving the training, the trainees are working on fulfilling the first order received from a client.
Glimpses of the Training Program
Glimpses of the workshop and invited guests interacting with the participants at the valedictory
A finished product with coco-shell made by a participant during the training
World Youth Skills Day Celebrated at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok, Sikkim
July 15, 2025
World Youth Skills Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok, in the august presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Prem Singh Tamang. The celebration highlighted the importance of skill development among youth and felicitated individuals who successfully completed training under various centrally and state-sponsored schemes such as DDU-GKY, PMKVY, and ITIs.
As part of the program, 10 individuals who had undergone training under the DDU-GKY scheme and are now successfully placed in different states across India were felicitated with certificates and a cash award of ₹10,000 each.
In addition, awards were presented to recognize excellence in the field of skill development:
• Best Employer (under DDU-GKY): Compass Food India Services Limited, Bangalore was honored for providing maximum and quality employment opportunities to trained candidates.
• Best Performing PIA in Sikkim (under DDU-GKY): Himali Vikash Sansthan, Mangalbarey was felicitated for its outstanding contribution in implementing skill development programs.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister also interacted with the trainees of Himali Vikash Sansthan, who are currently undergoing training in the Commis Chef trade under DDU-GKY. Expressing his appreciation, Shri Prem Singh Tamang lauded the efforts of the Government of India and DDU-GKY for creating such platforms that make the youth of Sikkim skilled and self-reliant. He also encouraged the people of Sikkim to actively take part in skill development programs to build a better future.
The celebration served as a strong recognition of the role skill development plays in empowering the youth and driving the state’s progress towards self-reliance.
Honorable Chief Minister of Sikkim interacting with DDU-GKY Candidates
Best Employer 2025 under DDU-GKY, Sikkim, and Best PIA 2025 under DDU-GKY, Sikkim
TRLM’s Alumni Meet at Hyderabad with DDU-GKY Placed Candidates
Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) successfully organized an Alumni Meet on 12th July 2025 at Hyderabad for candidates trained under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY). The event served as a platform for former trainees to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate their professional journeys.
Held on 12th July 2025, the event took place at Sitara Grand Hotel, Kukatpally, Hyderabad and was marked by enthusiastic participation, warm camaraderie, and nostalgic reflections.
A total of 53 alumni, currently employed in reputed organizations such as Big Basket, Tata Zudio, Cream Stone and others across Hyderabad, participated in the meet. The gathering witnessed enthusiastic participation from candidates trained by various Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs).
The event was graced by Sri Ajit Sukla Das, Chief Executive Officer of TRLM, Sri. Sudhakara Reddy, Director M&E of the DDUGKY, NIRDPR-Hyderabad and Sri. Kumar Swamy, North East In charge (M&E) of the DDUGKY, NIRDPR- Hyderabad along with other officials from TRLM, PIA & Employers.
The program began with a welcome address by the host, followed by open mic session with alumni added vibrancy to the morning where, all the alumni shared their inspiring success stories, highlighting the impact of DDU-GKY and TRLM in transforming their lives and careers. Alumni had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and faculty
The participants expressed heartfelt gratitude for the training and support received, which enabled them to achieve financial independence and stability.
The Alumni Meet fostered a sense of belonging among the candidates, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among former students. It was a wonderful opportunity for alumni to reconnect, learn, and grow together.
The program reinforced the commitment of TRLM towards empowering rural youth through skill development and employment opportunities. The program concluded on a warm note with a networking lunch, allowing alumni and officials to engage in informal interactions and strengthen connections and with a vote of thanks and a group photograph, capturing the spirit of togetherness.
The meet was a resounding success and reflected the positive outcomes of the DDU-GKY initiative under Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission.
SUCCESS STORIES FROM HARYANA
AAFTAB HUSSAIN
Hometown: Jainpur Village, Palwal, Haryana
Job Role: Inventory Clerk (DEO)
Salary: ₹14,000/month
Employer Location: Shoppers Stop, Sector-49, Gurugram, Haryana
Aaftab Hussain, son of Mr. Mohd Rafeeq, comes from the village of Jainpur in Palwal district. He belongs to a very poor family, with minimal educational qualifications and a chronically ill father. As the only earning member, Aaftab had to shoulder the responsibility of supporting his family and paying for his father’s treatment. He used to work as a daily labourer in the village to meet the basic needs of his household.
Aaftab came to know about the DDU-GKY Program during a mobilization camp organized by Aryans Edutech Pvt. Ltd. He enrolled in the Inventory Clerk course, determined to change his circumstances. After successfully completing the training, he secured a job with Shoppers Stop, Gurugram, earning ₹14,000 per month.
“I am very impressed with the DDU-GKY program and hope that this scheme continues to support the youth of our country. Thank you, Aryans Edutech Pvt. Ltd., DDU-GKY, and the Haryana Government for changing my life.”
Aaftab’s journey proves how structured training and guidance can uplift individuals from poverty and provide a dignified livelihood.
NEERAJ
Hometown: Jainpur Village, Palwal, Haryana
Job Role: Inventory Clerk (Helper)
Salary: ₹14,000/month
Employer Location: Blue Star Pvt. Ltd., Tauru, Nuh, Haryana
Neeraj, son of Late Bhimraj, comes from a humble background in Jainpur village, Palwal district. Having lost his father at an early age, Neeraj became the sole breadwinner for his family. With minimal education and no steady source of income, he worked as a labourer in his village to support his family, struggling to meet even basic household expenses.
Neeraj learned about the DDU-GKY Program during a mobilization drive conducted by Aryans Edutech Pvt. Ltd. Motivated by the opportunity, he enrolled in the Inventory Clerk course, where he gained both technical and soft skills. Upon completion, he was placed as a Helper at Blue Star Pvt. Ltd. in Tauru, earning ₹14,000 per month.
“I am very impressed with the DDU-GKY program and hope that this scheme continues to uplift the youth of our country. Thank you Aryans Edutech Pvt. Ltd., DDU-GKY, and Haryana Government for this life-changing opportunity.”
Neeraj’s journey demonstrates how programs like DDU-GKY can empower individuals with limited means to achieve sustainable employment and build a secure future.
MINAJBANO
Hometown: Khaparwas Village, Jhajjar, Haryana
Job Role: Operator (Sewing Machine Operator – AMH/Q0301)
Salary: ₹12,500/month
Employer Location: Greybeez Pvt. Ltd., Village Khandsa, Gurgaon, Haryana
Minajbano, daughter of Mr. Ramjaan, hails from Khaparwas village in Jhajjar district. Belonging to a minority community and a financially struggling household, she faced limited career opportunities after completing her 10th standard. With no steady income and increasing responsibilities, she was in search of a path that could lead to a better future.
Her turning point came when a friend informed her about the DDU-GKY scheme. Seizing the opportunity, Minajbano enrolled in the Sewing Machine Operator course conducted by Cantabil Retail India Ltd. under DDU-GKY. The training, which included three months of classroom sessions and a month of on-the-job experience, equipped her with both practical and interpersonal skills.
Soon after completing the course, she secured employment as an Operator at Greybeez Pvt. Ltd. in Gurgaon. The day she received her first salary was filled with joy and pride—for both her and her family. Today, she is financially independent and contributes meaningfully to her household income.
“This job gave me confidence and stability. I am thankful to Cantabil, HSRLM, and the Haryana Government for making this possible through DDU-GKY.”
Minajbano’s story reflects how government initiatives like DDU-GKY can transform the lives of rural youth, helping them overcome socio-economic barriers and realize their potential.
KIRAN
Hometown: Lohari Village, Hisar, Haryana
Job Role: Surveyor (Trained in Sewing Machine Operator – Apparel Sector)
Salary: ₹12,000/month
Employer Location: Bengal City Nirman Pvt. Ltd., Haryana
Kiran, daughter of Mr. Kashmir, is a specially-abled young woman from Lohari village in Hisar district. Born with hearing and speech impairments, Kiran has always faced unique challenges. Yet, her determination to become financially independent remained strong.
Her life took a positive turn when she got to know about the DDU-GKY scheme and enrolled in the Sewing Machine Operator course at Techno India Jind Training Centre. The centre not only offered her a welcoming and supportive environment but also ensured she received proper training tailored to her needs.
After successfully completing the course, Kiran was placed as a Surveyor at Bengal City Nirman Pvt. Ltd. in Haryana. This job gave her a sense of pride and self-worth, as she began earning ₹12,000 per month and supporting her family.
“Despite my disability, Techno India gave me a chance to prove myself. I am thankful to Techno India, HSRLM, and DDU-GKY for believing in me and helping me stand on my feet.”
Kiran’s journey is a powerful example of how inclusive skill development initiatives like DDU-GKY can help specially-abled individuals break barriers and lead dignified, independent lives.
Mera Yuva Bharat – MY Bharat’s post: https://www.facebook.com/61552482556868/posts/122238946508082751/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
CONTRIBUTORS are from DDU-GKY RC, NIRDPR
- Mr. Abhishek Jairaj Guria, T&D, HQ
- Mr. Kumar and M&E Team, HQ
- Mr. Sasti Roy, Sikkim
- Mr. Salman, Haryana
- Reports Compiled by: Mr. Nithin Rao
Articles for Kaushal Samachar may be sent to: ddugkytraining@nirdpr.org.in or nithinrao.nird@gov.in
