Vijayawada: Union minister of state for rural development and communications Dr Pemmasani Chandrasekhar on Sunday said that the Centre and the state jointly invest about Rs 75,000 per student under skill development initiatives. He added that the programme will continue uninterrupted for the next three years, training and placing over 100 candidates every quarter.
He was speaking after distributing appointment letters to 105 young women who completed a three-month training programme under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) at a B.Ed college in Burripalem of Tenali mandal. MLC Alapati Rajendra Prasad was also present.
Dr Chandrasekhar said the DDU-GKY scheme, launched in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been transforming rural livelihoods by equipping youth with employable skills. He noted that the Andhra Pradesh government contributes 40 per cent of the funding under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Stressing the importance of quality training, he said success depends not only on funding but also on skilled trainers, proper infrastructure and effective coordination. “Even a single weak link could derail outcomes,” he said.
The minister for state said that during election campaigns, many parents had sought employment opportunities for their children. In response, the state aims to provide one lakh jobs under skill development this year. He added that placements are being ensured in cities such as Vijayawada and in reputed institutions, including AIG and Manipal hospitals.
MLC Alapati Rajendra Prasad said that blending natural talent with skills can help build a secure future and urged students to make the best use of the opportunity.
Trainees and parents expressed gratitude, stating that the programme had instilled confidence, ensured employment and offered a second chance to rebuild their lives.
Officials, including SEEDAP CEO Narayanaswamy, sub-collector Lakshmi Kumari and DRDA PD Vijayalakshmi, were present.
