Alumni meet of youth who were trained under DDU-GKY at NIRD&PR

The National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) on August, 3, 2016, organised an alumni meet for the youth who were trained in the Institute under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU GKY) and now working in the Rural Development sector across India. More than 200 youth came from various parts of the country to take part in the programme. They shared their experiences with fellow members and exchanged ideas. This vibrant programme provided them an opportunity to come back to the Institute and share their success stories with others.

All the participants have been trained under the DDU GKY programme and secured good placements. The NIRD&PR organised this alumni meet to enable the participants share their experience, to network with each other, offer suggestions and improve the programme, etc. The programme turned out to a great success and saw the participation of youth from different States such as Assam, Karnataka, Telangana Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Dr. W. R. Reddy, I.A.S, Director General, NIRD&PR inaugurated the programme and delivered inaugural address. In his address, the Director General advised the participants to think big and stay motivated by continuously learning and improving themselves. He urged the youth to aim at reaching bigger positions in career and establish enterprises similar to the ones they are working for. He called for the youth to remember their roots and always think of contributing back to the regions from which they hail.

Smt. Gayatri Kalia, COO, DDU-GKY, who was also present at the programme, wished the youth a very best of luck in their careers. She congratulated the youth and advised them to remain focused on work and contribute to the nation's development.

At the end of the programme, the Director General, NIRD&PR and COO, DDU GKY distributed prizes for 10 best youth nominated by employers based on the work tenure and salary earned.

About DDU-GKY:

Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana- DDU-GKY is a programme implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), aimed at gainfully employing rural poor youth through skill trainings and development. In 12^th five year plan, the Government has set a target to train 10.5 lakh youth and place at least 75 per cent of them. So far 7,19,239 rural youth of Below Poverty Level have been trained under the aegis of MoRD. Since the launch of DDU-GKY in 2014-15, 2,97,493 youth have been trained of whom 1,63,019 have been placed so far.

Role of NIRD&PR in DDU GKY:

NIRD&PR's role in the DDU GKY includes many tasks such as training and strengthening capacities of State Governments, and Project Implementing Agencies. NIRD&PR conducts verification of prospective implementing agencies by scrutinising proposals, helps MoRD in developing standards to deliver the programme, inspects training centres and verifies placements to ensure the uniformity and quality of the programme throughout India. NIRD&PR has been in skill development for long and since 2004-05, NIRD&PR has trained 8,45,888 rural youth of Below Poverty Level youth under various skill development programmes.

Objectives of the Alumni Meet:

·        To network with fellow youth from same state and working in and around Hyderabad and also with youth from other states

·        To celebrate the success of overcoming several obstacles enroute to acquiring skills and employment

·        To discuss, share experiences and find solutions to work place issues

Important guests who were present at the meet:

1.     Dr. W R Reddy I.A.S, Director General, NIRD&PR

2.     Smt. Gayatri Kalia, Chief Operating Officer, DDU-GKY

3.     Dr M Ravibabu, Executive Director, Center for Skills and Jobs, NIRD&PR

4.     Chief Executive/Operating officers/ Executive Directors of State Skill Missions of Assam, Odisha and Karnataka

-Press note