Karnataka unveils massive youth skill and employment boost with CMKKY 2.0 and training initiatives

State government announces enhanced unemployment benefits, advanced skill development programs, and new industry collaborations to expand opportunities for youth and women.

Karnataka is stepping up efforts to empower its youth and boost employment through a series of strategic initiatives under the Chief Minister’s Kaushalya Karnataka Yojana (CMKKY) 2.0. The government announced that, so far, 3,08,267 eligible beneficiaries have received ₹913 crore in direct cash transfers as unemployment benefits under the Yuvasnehi scheme.

To enhance employability and entrepreneurial skills, training programs have reached 80,086 candidates across the state. CMKKY 2.0 is now fully operational to provide more comprehensive skill development and employment support for youth.

The government also reported success in large-scale employment fairs, with 11 mega-job events seeing participation from 1.16 lakh candidates and 1,946 employers. Out of these, 19,863 candidates have already secured jobs, while placements for 35,983 more are ongoing.

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To upgrade government industrial training institutes (ITIs) and ensure high-quality skill development, Karnataka will implement the five-year K-QUEST program in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), investing ₹1,386 crore. These efforts aim to enhance the infrastructure and training quality at government ITIs, KGTTIs, KSDA, and JETIs.

As part of modernization, select ITIs will be upgraded under the PM-SETU initiative using a Hub & Spoke cluster model in collaboration with the central government, state government, and industries. For 2026-27, two clusters will be established at a cost of ₹241 crore.

Youth-focused industry centers are also in the works. Schneider Electric will set up Youth Impact Centers in Mysuru and Kalaburagi at ₹16 crore each, training 2,000 students annually and providing employment opportunities. Female ITI students will receive an annual tuition concession of ₹1,200 to increase participation. Additionally, students will be offered pre-degree certificates in two supplementary subjects to improve higher education and job prospects.

In Koppal, a Precision Tool Engineering Technology Center will be set up at GTTC-MSDC with ₹10 crore funding from KKRDB, contributing to a total project cost of ₹20 crore in collaboration with Aequs Toy Cluster Industry.

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To encourage local, demand-driven skill development, a ₹1 crore Challenge Fund will be established to address labor and employment challenges in districts. Moreover, the Karnataka Skill Development Authority (KSDA) will partner with the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) to create the Karnataka Skill Intelligence and Strategy Unit (KSISU), launching global skill partnerships with select countries and institutions.

A unified skill development portal will consolidate all current programs and services at a cost of ₹2 crore. Special training programs will also target women in self-help groups, addressing rural elderly care, artisans, and child care services.

In recognition of 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers, 5,000 rural women farmers will receive advanced agricultural skill training to promote sustainable, long-term rural development. For urban micro-entrepreneurs, ₹7 crore has been allocated for surveys, identity cards, sales certificates, and formation of town-level sales committees to provide economic and social empowerment.