Performance Evaluation of DDU-GKY Implementation in Haryana: From Enrollment Targets to Sustained Employment

Abstract

Public skill development programmes play a central role in transforming demographic potential into productive employment. The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) represents a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at equipping rural youth with market-relevant skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities. This study evaluates the implementation performance of DDU-GKY in Haryana by examining institutional outcomes across the full programme chain, including enrollment, certification, placement, and post-placement employment retention. Using administrative data from 81 Project Implementing Agencies and applying descriptive statistical analysis, the study identifies patterns of institutional performance and points of operational vulnerability. The findings reveal exceptionally strong enrollment achievement and high certification outcomes, confirming effective mobilization and training delivery mechanisms. Placement results, while broadly positive, display significant variation across implementing agencies, indicating uneven employer linkage capacity. Employment retention outcomes are notably strong, suggesting that once placement is achieved, sustainable employment is largely attainable. The study provides a replicable performance evaluation framework for large-scale public skill development programmes and offers evidence-based insights for strengthening employer engagement, institutional accountability, and post-placement support systems to enhance long-term livelihood outcomes.