Puttur: The Union Ministry of Rural Development, in association with multiple government and institutional stakeholders, will organise a district-level job fair under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) on February 21, aimed at providing employment opportunities to rural youth across Dakshina Kannada district.
Poster released at bankers’ review meet
The poster announcing the job fair was released by Dakshina Kannada Member of Parliament Captain Brijesh Chowta and other dignitaries during the District Consultative Committee (DCC) and District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting of bankers held on December 24. The event brought together representatives of banks, government departments and development agencies, providing a suitable platform to highlight employment-linked skill development initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Captain Chowta said the job fair is part of a broader effort to bridge the gap between skilled rural youth and industry requirements. He said such initiatives are crucial to addressing unemployment while also strengthening the rural economy through sustainable livelihoods.
Multi-department collaboration
The job fair is being organised through the collective efforts of several stakeholders, including the Karnataka Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat and Vivekananda Vidyavardhaka Sangha. The fair will be hosted at the Vivekananda Institute of Technology, which has experience in coordinating large-scale skill development and placement initiatives.
Officials involved in organising the event said the collaboration ensures that the programme aligns with both national skill development goals and local employment needs. The DDU-GKY scheme, they noted, specifically focuses on equipping rural youth with industry-relevant skills and linking them to wage employment.
Wide range of sectors to participate
According to Captain Chowta, over 80 companies are expected to take part in the job fair, with more than 150 company representatives arriving to recruit candidates across diverse sectors. These include information technology and software, production and automobile, banking, finance and insurance, retail and consumer services, construction and real estate, education, healthcare, hospitality, and business process outsourcing (BPO).
He said the participation of companies from such a wide range of sectors reflects the growing demand for skilled manpower and presents a valuable opportunity for job seekers to explore multiple career paths under one roof.
Eligibility and participation details
Candidates who have passed SSLC and above are eligible to attend the job fair. Organisers have advised participants to come prepared with at least 15 copies of their resumes and 15 passport-size photographs to facilitate on-the-spot interviews and documentation.
Officials said both freshers and candidates with prior work experience can benefit from the fair, as companies will be recruiting for entry-level as well as skilled positions. Guidance desks will also be set up to assist candidates in understanding job roles, salary structures and growth opportunities.
Free skill training ahead of fair
In addition to recruitment, the organisers have announced that free skill development training will be provided to interested candidates on February 19, two days ahead of the job fair. This training is intended to help candidates improve their employability by enhancing technical skills, communication abilities and interview preparedness.
Officials said the pre-fair training component is an important feature of the DDU-GKY framework, as it ensures that candidates are better equipped to meet employer expectations. Those enrolling for the training will also receive information on longer-term skill development programmes under government schemes.
Focus on rural youth employment
The job fair is expected to benefit a large number of rural youth from Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring districts, many of whom face challenges in accessing organised employment opportunities. By bringing employers directly to the district, the organisers aim to reduce migration pressures and promote local employment.
Captain Chowta said that skill development and employment generation are key priorities for inclusive growth. “When rural youth are provided the right skills and opportunities, they not only improve their own lives but also contribute to the overall development of the region,” he said.
Strengthening industry–talent connect
Bankers and officials present at the DCC and DLRC meeting welcomed the initiative, noting that employment generation complements financial inclusion and credit outreach efforts. They said such job fairs help create a strong link between trained manpower and industry demand, making development programmes more effective.
Conclusion: The district-level job fair under the DDU-GKY scheme is expected to serve as a major platform for employment and skill development, connecting rural youth with leading companies across sectors. With strong institutional support and wide industry participation, the initiative is poised to create meaningful livelihood opportunities and strengthen the local workforce.