Scouting New PIAs
DDU-GKY RC, NIRDPR collaborates with CII
In DDU-GKY 2.0, there is a provision to start ups to become a Project Implementation Agency. In its efforts to scout new PIAs as a CTSA for DDU-GKY, the Training & Development of DDU-GKY Resource Cell NIRDPR collaborated with CII to reach out to start-ups under the CII ecosystem. The webinar, organized by CII on 17th September 2025, focused on pitching the DDU-GKY program to start-up partners and encouraging them to apply for projects under the program. In this event, Shri L. Sudhakara Reddy (Director, M&E), Dr. Sandhya Gopakumaran (Director, T&D), and Shri V. Raghavendra (Project Manager, Accounts) oriented the participating start-ups about the DDU-GKY program and on the project application process. A robust interaction between the participants and resource persons followed the orientation. The webinar saw participation from about 80 start-ups, including one from Ladakh. NIRDPR has assured necessary guidance for the start-ups who are interested to join the DDU-GKY 2.0 journey.
NIRDPR organises webinar for technical education institutions
On 16th September 2025, a webinar was organized for Engineering Colleges, ITIs, and Pharmacy & Nursing colleges in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The objective of this webinar was to orient these educational institutions on the DDU-GKY program and encourage them to apply for skilling projects under DDU-GKY 2.0. The session was facilitated by Shri M. Kumarswamy State Team Manager, M&E and Shri V. Raghavendra Project Manager Finance and Appraisal.
IEC activity-cum-Placement drive at Himayat
Himayat DDU-GKY is a flagship skilling program of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India implemented through the Himayat Mission Management Unit- Jammu & Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (HMMU-JKRLM). The scheme is designed to provide youth with demand-driven skills and link them to industry-relevant jobs across India and abroad. Himayat has not only transformed individual lives but has also uplifted families and communities, creating a new wave of hope across the Union Territory. To celebrate this journey, HMMU organized an Alumni Meet on 25th September 2025 in Srinagar. It brought together alumni, ongoing candidates, project partners, and senior government officials to reflect on the achievements of the mission.
Mr. Rajneesh Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, HMMU–JKRLM, highlighted that Himayat is not just a scheme but a movement. He described it as an investment in the most valuable resource of Jammu & Kashmir, the youth. He emphasized that while statistics of training and placement are impressive, the true measure of success lies in the dignity, opportunities, and futures secured for thousands of families.
Mr. Rajneesh Gupta, Chief Operating Officer, HMMU–JKRLM, highlighted that Himayat is not just a scheme but a movement. He described it as an investment in the most valuable resource of Jammu & Kashmir, the youth. He emphasized that while statistics of training and placement are impressive, the true measure of success lies in the dignity, opportunities, and futures secured for thousands of families.
Mr. Mohammad Aijaz Asad, IAS, Secretary, Rural Development Department, underscored that the real success of Himayat is reflected in the stories of change witnessed in every village and household touched by the program. He stated that Himayat 2.0 will prepare youth for the challenges of tomorrow by focusing on new-age skills in digital technology, healthcare, aviation, green energy, cybersecurity, and other future-oriented sectors. He added that this next phase will not merely provide jobs but enable career growth and long-term stability for the youth.
The highlight of the day was the address of the Hon’ble Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture Production, Cooperative and Election Departments for UT of J&K Jenab Javid Ahmad Dar. The Hon’ble Minister congratulated the alumni for their determination and achievements and noted that their success stories stand as a source of pride for J&K. He mentioned about the launch of Himayat 2.0, describing it as a bigger and stronger chapter in skilling. The event also featured experience sharing by alumni and current candidates, testimonials, felicitation of achievers, and the screening of a Himayat documentary. Alumni spoke about how the program had transformed their lives, while ongoing trainees drew inspiration from their journeys.
The Alumni Meet concluded with a renewed sense of pride, commitment, and hope. As Himayat transitions into its new phase, Himayat 2.0, the mission stands ready to provide more opportunities, equip the youth with futuristic skills, and build a stronger connection with both industries and rural livelihoods. The event reaffirmed that the youth of UT of J&K are not only capable of shaping their own future but also of becoming leaders in the growth and development of their communities and the Union Territory.
IEC activity cum Placement drive at Himayat
Under Seva Parv 2025, Himayat Mission Management Unit, UT of J&K organised Kaushal Parv 2025, an IEC activity cum Placement drive in Jammu on 30th September 2025.
The Job Fair witnessed the participation of 15–20 reputed employers such as PepsiCo, Inco, Rubli Foods, Vardhman Textiles, Domino’s, Coca-Cola, Barbeque Nation, Burger King, and Cream Bell, representing diverse sectors including retail, hospitality, textiles, food & beverage, IT-ITES, and surveillance services, collectively offering over 2000 job vacancies to the trained youth.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of more than 200 trained youth, mobilised by Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) onboarded under HIMAYAT scheme. Several candidates successfully secured employment offers during the drive.
In the event, a session of Personality development and Resume Writing was also organised by HMMU for the participants.
The Hon’ble Secretary, Department of Rural Development & PR, underlined that Job Fairs like Kaushal Parv create a direct bridge between trained youth and employers, ensuring transparent, sustainable, and industry-driven employment outcomes.
On the occasion, the Secretary also distributed offer letters to selected candidates, marking the successful conclusion of on-the-spot recruitment drives.
The event concluded with the flagging off of the Kaushal Rath, an outreach initiative under Himayat 2.0. The Kaushal Rath will traverse block-to-block across districts of Jammu division for next 20 days, disseminating recorded awareness messages, distributing pamphlets/ flyers, and mobilizing youth for skill training and placements. This initiative aims to extend the reach of Himayat to last-mile villages, ensuring inclusivity and greater participation of both rural and urban youth in Himayat 2.0.
The twin initiatives of Kaushal Parv and Kaushal Rath reaffirm the government’s commitment to equipping the youth of Jammu & Kashmir with market-relevant skills, sustainable livelihoods, and enhanced industry connect.
PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin August 2025
PIB Delhi • September 15 at 21:30
Please Read from the URL: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2166769
Jharkhand SRLM conducts its 17th PAC meeting
Jharkhand SRLM conducted its 17th PAC meeting, chaired by Sri K. Srinivasan, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Rural Development Department. During the session, the CEO, JSLPS and the Secretary commended NIRDPR team for their appraisal and feedback to Jharkhand, which became the first state in the country to submit 14 applications under DDU-GKY 2.0.
DDU-GKY RC Training program conducted in the month of September, 2025
The DDU-GKY RC conducted both offline and online training programs in September. In total, three programs were organized by the Training & Development Team during the month—two conducted in virtual mode and one held in physical mode at the NIRDPR Hyderabad campus.
Another virtual training was held on 1st October 2025 under the Pest Management Initiative to onboard trainers as Master Trainers in Pest Management. The objective of this training was to prepare these trainers to deliver Pest Management courses in accredited training centers. In total, six trainers were on boarded as Master Trainers. The sessions were delivered by Shri Siddhartha Sarangpani and Shri Anil Mazgaonkar from the pest management industry.
An offline program was also organized at the NIRDPR campus from 29th September to 1st October 2025, titled “Pest Management QP Revision Workshop with Industry Experts.” The purpose of this workshop was to revise the qualification pack of the Pest Management sector in accordance with NCVET norms for Short Term Training (STT). Six industry experts from across India participated.
Glimpses of the Month’s Programs
SUCCESS STORIES
| Name | Gori Kajal |
| Father’s Name | Jugdish chander |
| Address | Hunsi,Marmat, Doda, Jammu & Kashmir |
| PIA | Sun Retail Ltd. |
| Trade | Food & Beverage Service – Associate |
| Designation | GSA |
| Employer | Hotel Fortune Katra |
| Joining Date | 01-March-2025 |
| Bio |
| Coming from a humble family in Hunsi Mothi village, Doda Block, Gori faced financial struggles, limited education, and few job opportunities. Despite these challenges, he remained determined. A HIMAYAT DDU-GKY mobilizer introduced him to training at Sun Retail Ltd., which became a turning point in his life. |
| Carrier Progression |
| After completing the Himayat F&B course at Sun Retail Ltd., Gori secured a position as a Receptionist with Hotel Fortune. Currently posted at their Katra branch, he earns ₹13,500 per month. He is thankful for the training and support that helped launch his career on the right path. |
| Testimonial |
| At first, I was unsure about the benefits of the Himayat program. But after enrolling in the course and experiencing its 100% placement support, my view changed completely. It proved to be an excellent platform that truly empowers youth to become self-reliant. Thanks to Himayat, I am now a proud, earning member of my family. This program has changed my life, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity it gave me. |
| Name | Manisha |
| Father’s Name | Satish Kumar |
| Address | Karlah, Chenani, Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir |
| PIA | Sun Retail Ltd. |
| Trade | Food & Beverage Service – Associate |
| Designation | Senior GSA |
| Bio |
| Coming from a humble family in Karlah village, Chenani Block, Manisha faced financial struggles, limited education, and few job opportunities. Despite these challenges, he remained determined. A HIMAYAT DDU-GKY mobilizer introduced him to training at Sun Retail Ltd., which became a turning point in his life. |
| Carrier Progression |
| After completing the Himayat F&B course at Sun Retail Ltd., Gori secured a position as a Receptionist with Hotel Fortune. Currently posted at their Katra branch, he earns ₹15,500 per month. He is thankful for the training and support that helped launch his career on the right path. |
| Testimonial |
| At first, I was unsure about the benefits of the Himayat program. But after enrolling in the course and experiencing its 100% placement support, my view changed completely. It proved to be an excellent platform that truly empowers youth to become self-reliant. Thanks to Himayat, I am now a proud, earning member of my family. This program has changed my life, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity it gave me. |
SUCCESS STORY – DDU-GKY Assam
Name of the Candidate: Mafizul Hoque
Age: 23 years
Background: Elder son of a poor farmer family, Dalgaon, Darrang, Assam
Trade: Retail Sales Associate (RSA)
Current Designation: Senior Sales Executive
Employer: I Marque Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata Sector-V
Salary: ₹19,000/month + PF + ESI + Incentives
Journey to Success
Mafizul Hoque, the eldest son of a poor farmer, had to give up higher education due to financial hardship. He joined the DDU-GKY training centre at Mangaldai Darrang and successfully completed the Retail Sales Associate course from M/s Prasant Generator Company Pvt Ltd. He secured his first job at Pace Setters Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Kolkata, earning ₹13,000 per month.
Turning Point
Through hard work and consistency, Mafizul advanced in his career and is now working as a Senior Sales Executive with I Marque Solutions Pvt. Ltd. His salary has increased to ₹19,000 per month with additional facilities like PF, ESI, and incentives.
Impact
Today, Mafizul is financially independent, supports his family. His journey proves that with the right training and opportunity, challenges can be transformed into success.
SUCCESS STORIES – DDU-GKY Haryana
Name of the Candidate: Abhishek
Father’s Name: Ram Kumar
Training Year: 2021
Training Duration: 3 Months
Training Name: Fitter Fabrication
Name of PIA: MPESWT (Maharana Partap Educational & Welfare Trust)
Training Location: Yamuna Nagar
Name of the Employer: Best Koki Auto Ltd.
Employer Location: Bilaspur, Gurgaon
Designation: Machine Operator
Current Salary: ₹14,000/-
In the Candidate’s Words
1. Personal and Family Life before Joining the Program
My name is Abhishek, and I’m from the Ambala district. Being an only child, I felt a heavy responsibility to support my family. My father, who works as casual labour, was the only one earning, and his income was barely enough for us to survive. I had to stop my studies after matriculation to find work and help my family make ends meet. I knew I needed some vocational training to get a decent job, and I was actively looking for an opportunity to do so.
2. Life after Joining the Training Institutes PIAs
I heard about the DDU-GKY training center in Yamuna Nagar and saw it as a ray of hope. I got admission to the Fitter Fabrication course offered by the Maharana Partap Educational & Welfare Trust under the DDU-GKY scheme. The training lasted for three months, and after a final examination, I received my SSC certificate.
3. Journey as a DDU-GKY Candidate
The training completely changed my life. I was placed at Best Koki Auto Ltd. in Bilaspur, Gurgaon, as a Machine Operator. I was initially earning ₹10,200 a month, and with incentives, my salary has increased to ₹14,000. I am now able to support my parents and help my family. I am incredibly satisfied and thrilled with my job and the skills I gained. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the DDU-GKY training center in Yamunanagar for giving me this opportunity and helping me fulfill my responsibilities.
Name of the Candidate: Nisha
Address of the Candidate:
Village: Radaur,
Block: Yamuna Nagar
District: Yamuna Nagar
Name of the Employer: CDIL Ltd.
Designation: Data entry Operator
Salary Per Month: 13700
Duration of Employment: 3 Months
Job Role/Course: Hand Embroidery
Full Address of the Employer Location: Mohali , Punjab.
In the Candidate’s Words
1. Personal and Family Life before Joining the Program
My name is Nisha, and I am from Yamuna Nagar. I come from an economically poor family of five members: my father, mother, two brothers, and me. With my father nearing 60, I knew I had to find a way to help support my family. After I finished my 12th grade, I immediately started looking for a job so I could contribute financially and ease my family’s burden.
2. Life after Joining the Training Institutes PIAs
During my job search, I learned about the DDU-GKY government scheme. I went to the nearest center, the Maharana Partap Educational & Social Welfare Trust, in Yamunanagar. It felt like a great opportunity to finally get a job easily. I enrolled in the three month Hand Embroidery course. The training was a valuable experience; I learned not only my specific trade but also important skills like personality development, soft skills, and computer basics, all of which are crucial for getting a job in the private sector.
3. Journey as a DDU-GKY Candidate
After completing the course, I was able to confidently face an interview at CDIL Ltd. In Mohali, Punjab. I got the job as a Data Entry Operator, and my starting salary was ₹9,200 per month, plus an overtime rate of ₹60 per hour. With overtime and incentives, my current monthly salary has grown to ₹13,700. I am incredibly grateful to the DDU-GKY scheme and the Maharana Partap Educational & Social Welfare Trust for giving me the skills and opportunity for a bright future.
Name of the Candidate: Shiksha
Address of the Candidate: Village: Deeg Block: Sahabad Markanda District: Kurukshetra
Name of the Employer: Mc Donald’s
Designation: Crew Trainer
Salary Per Month: ₹ 15000
Duration of Employment: 3 Years
Job Role/Course: Retail Sales Associate
Full Address of the Employer Location: Mcdonald’s, Kurukshetra
In the candidate’s words
1. Life before Joining the Program My name is Shiksha. I come from a rural background where educational and job opportunities are scarce, especially for girls. After completing my 12th standard, I had to stop studying because of financial challenges at home. My father is a small-scale farmer, and my mother takes care of the household. With a limited family income, fulfilling even day-to-day needs was difficult. I wanted to do something meaningful to support my family, but I had no idea how to begin or where to go. I often felt helpless and uncertain about the future.
2. Life after Joining the Training Institute (PIA) Everything changed when a mobilizer from the DDU-GKY project came to our village and introduced us to the various training courses available. I decided to enroll in the Retail Sales Associate course at Indovision Skill Development Centre. The training helped me improve my communication, computer knowledge, and interpersonal skills. I also gained confidence through soft skills and English language training. After completing the course, I got selected as a Crew Member at Mcdonald’s, Kurukshetra. and now I earn ₹16,000 every month. This job has brought respect, independence, and relief to me and my family.
3. Journey as a DDU-GKY Candidate Joining the DDU-GKY program was a life-changing step. I went from being unemployed and unsure about my future to becoming a confident working woman. The training and support I received from Centre made a big difference in my life. Today, I am proud to contribute to my family’s income and stand on my own feet. I am thankful for the opportunity and look forward to growing further in my career. This journey has not only uplifted me but has also inspired others in my community.
Name of the Candidate: Rohit Kumar
Address of the Candidate: Village: Kakheri, Block: kaithal, District: Kaithal
Name of the Employer: MURTI ENTERPRISES
Designation: Helper
Salary Per Month: 14746/-
Duration of Employment: 4 Months
Job Role/Course: Gas Metal Arc Welder (MIG/MAG/GMAW)
Full Address of the Employer Location: Sonipat, Haryana
In the Candidate’s Words
1. Personal and Family Life before Joining the Program
My name is Rohit Kumar, and I come from the Ambala district. After completing my 12th grade, I had big dreams of continuing my education, but my family’s financial situation made that impossible. I really wanted to pursue further studies, but the cost was simply too high. With my family struggling financially, I knew I had to step up and find work to help them. However, finding a good job proved to be very difficult, and I felt stuck with no clear path forward.
2. Life after Joining the Training Institutes PIAs
Before I discovered the DDU-GKY program, I was spending my days without a job and felt a lot of mental stress. I wanted to help my family, but I couldn’t find any opportunities. I felt like I had no direction in life. Then, I heard about the DDU-GKY program, which offered free training and guaranteed job placements. It seemed too good to be true, but I decided to take a chance. I visited the training center, passed the basic test, and enrolled.
3. Journey as a DDU-GKY Candidate
The DDU-GKY program has completely changed my life. Before joining, I was struggling without a job or direction. But today, I am proud to say that I am earning ₹13,000 to ₹14,000 per month and living a much better life. The DDU-GKY program has completely changed my life. Thanks to the training, I was able to secure a job at MURTI ENTERPRISES in Sonipat, Haryana. This job has allowed me to start earning a steady income and support my family. I am now confident, employed, and feel a great sense of pride in being able to contribute. I am incredibly grateful to DDU-GKY for giving me a new purpose and a positive direction for my future. This journey has helped me grow personally and professionally, and I am excited for what lies ahead.
CONTRIBUTORS are from DDU-GKY RC, NIRDPR
- Mr. Sumeet Mahajan, J&K
- Mr. Sasti Roy, Sikkim
- Mr. Md Salman, Haryana
- Mr. Abhishek Guria, T&D
- Reports Compiled by: Mr. Nithin Rao
- Reviewed by: Dr Sandhya Gopakumaran
Articles for Kaushal Samachar may be sent to: ddugkytraining@nirdpr.org.in or nithinrao.nird@gov.in
