NSRLM hosts a DDU-GKY induction programme at Sethekema-A with 800 candidates undergoing training.
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) hosted a combined induction programme of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) training initiative under the theme "One Platform, New Skills, Countless Opportunities" at Noune Resort in Sethekema-A village on Friday.
A total of 800 candidates are currently undergoing training at 17 training centres, with one additional centre in Guwahati operated by Jetwings Foundation offering training in the cabin crew trade.
Speaking on the occasion as special guest, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD Metsubo Jamir congratulated the participants for taking the initiative to join the skill development programme, stating that choosing skill development over idleness and hard work over an easy life was the first step towards success.
He stressed that youth empowerment must go beyond providing employment and focus on the holistic development of young people.
He said it should equip them with the confidence to face the future, relevant skills to adapt to the changing job market, and the ability to become self-reliant and support their families.
Jamir maintained that the real strength of Nagaland lay not in its mountains or landscape but in its youth. He observed that the state's young population presented a significant opportunity for economic growth, provided they were adequately equipped with skills and employment opportunities.
He said the government, through DDU-GKY implemented by NSRLM, is making efforts to bring such opportunities closer to rural youth, particularly school dropouts and unemployed young people seeking to build a better future.
The minister urged the trainees to learn sincerely and acquire skills not merely for certificates but for life. He also encouraged them to respect every form of work, reminding them that no work was small.
In his welcome address, Joint Secretary of Rural Development and Mission Director of NSRLM Moa Sangtam informed that the mission had been implementing DDU-GKY for the past eight years, alongside its initiatives to promote self-help groups (SHGs) and enhance their livelihoods.
The scheme particularly targets youth from SHG families to create employment opportunities.
He informed that under DDU-GKY 1.0, since the financial year 2018-19, NSRLM had trained 8,837 candidates through residential training, of whom 6,129 had secured placements across the country, including international placements.
Under DDU-GKY 2.0, launched in the financial year 2025-26, a total of 481 candidates had been trained and were undergoing the placement process.
The mission has set a training target of 7,625 candidates for the three-year period from FY 2025-26 to FY 2027-28, of which 1,423 candidates are earmarked for captive employers.