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Agra Workshop Sets Roadmap for DDU-GKY 2.0, Focus on Self-Reliant Rural Youth
Pooja Srivastava
Anytime News Network
A two-day regional workshop held in Agra marked a major step towards reshaping the future of rural skill development under DDU-GKY 2.0. Organized by the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) under the guidance of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), the event brought together representatives from nine eastern and northeastern states to discuss strategies for empowering rural youth with sustainable and globally competitive skills.
Launching the workshop, UPSDM Mission Director Pulkit Khare emphasized that DDU-GKY 2.0 is not just a scheme but a transformational mission aimed at changing the lives of rural youth. He stated that the new framework would move away from the earlier “project mode” and adopt a more efficient “batch mode” system to ensure transparency and accountability in training and placements.
Officials highlighted that the revamped version of DDU-GKY will introduce a fully digitalized system for onboarding, training, and placement tracking. The placement duration has also been extended to provide more stable employment opportunities. In addition, RSETI programs will now include courses related to green technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and emerging industries.
Santosh Tiwari, Director (Skills), Ministry of Rural Development, said skill development would remain a continuous national priority. He urged states to ensure effective utilization of funds and expand the reach of training programs to the remotest rural areas.
Special technical sessions were also organized for MIS teams, focusing on digital onboarding systems, training modules, and placement tracking mechanisms. Representatives from several states shared their best practices, stressing that bringing rural youth into the mainstream economy is essential for achieving the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
