In a significant recognition of the transformative impact of rural skill development, six beneficiaries of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY), representing West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Mizoram and Nagaland, have been invited as Special Guests for India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations in New Delhi on 15 August 2026.

The selected beneficiaries have received their official invitation letters through India Post to attend the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort and the prestigious ‘At Home’ dinner reception hosted by the Hon’ble President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This honour is not only a recognition of their individual achievements, but also a national acknowledgement of the transformation enabled by DDU-GKY through skills, sustainable livelihoods and dignified employment.

The youth will witness the national ceremony at the Red Fort and participate in the reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Their presence at these prestigious national events is a proud moment for the rural skilling ecosystem and for the young achievers who have emerged through DDU-GKY.

DDU-GKY is the flagship placement-linked skill development programme under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. The programme equips rural poor youth with industry-relevant skills, nationally recognised certifications, and access to sustainable and dignified employment opportunities.

Through DDU-GKY, lakhs of rural youth across the country have been connected with long-term livelihood opportunities. The programme has enabled them to become economically empowered, self-reliant and active contributors to India’s growth story.

The invitation extended to these six beneficiaries is a national recognition of the scheme’s success in creating a skilled workforce and promoting sustainable livelihoods. It demonstrates that skill development goes beyond employment—it enables dignified careers, economic independence and a more secure future for rural youth.

This achievement reflects the determination and hard work of the selected beneficiaries, as well as the collective efforts of the respective State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs), and the Ministry of Rural Development.

The honour will inspire millions of rural youth across India and reinforce the vision that skills create opportunities, sustainable livelihoods build self-reliance, and empowered youth accelerate the journey towards a Viksit Bharat.

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RC/PU