Unemployment has long been a prominent issue in India, frequently surfacing during election campaigns and media discussions. With one of the largest youth populations in the world, India faces the challenge of providing meaningful employment to its young generation.

Unemployment doesn’t just impact individuals; it reverberates through families and communities, causing financial strain, emotional stress, and societal tension.

The Government of India has implemented various schemes to tackle this challenge, including the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), Skill India Mission, Startup India, and Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Yojana. These initiatives aim to empower the youth, fostering a nation of self-reliant and independent individuals, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Complementing these governmental efforts, Caritas India’s Gram Nirman Program in Kadnai village, Surguja district, Chhattisgarh, plays a crucial role. This program ensures that unemployed youth leverage government schemes to secure self-employment. By collaborating with various government departments, Caritas India facilitates change through peer learning, training, exposure visits, and event co-facilitation.

A key partnership is with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), enhancing youth employability through training, workshops, and placements. Karishma Senar, 23, and Surendra, 27, from Kadnai village, are shining examples of this initiative’s success. Both participated in the ‘Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana’ for skill development in Ambikapur. Karishma trained in tailoring, while Surendra learned to drive.

Post-training, Karishma opened her tailoring shop, earning between INR 2000 to 2500 monthly. Surendra now drives a tractor in the village, earning INR 4500 to 5000 monthly. These young individuals, now vital contributors to their families and community, attribute their success to Caritas India’s guidance and support.

The Gram Nirman Program has trained 17 youth (15 males and 2 females) in skills such as electrical work, tailoring, driving, masonry, and plumbing. By equipping these young people with practical skills, the program fosters local economic development and self-reliance, essential components for a sustainable future.

This initiative highlights the importance of creating local employment opportunities, thus reducing migration and boosting the local economy. By empowering youth to become productive members of their community, Caritas India not only improves their standard of living but also strengthens the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Gram Nirman program leverages the benefit of government schemes for the community to exemplify a successful model of how NGOs and government work together to create significant social change. By focusing on skill development and employment, these initiatives ensure a brighter, more stable future for the youth of India.

As Caritas India continues its mission, it remains a beacon of hope, guiding young individuals towards self-reliance and a dignified life. The program serves as an inspiring example of how collective efforts can bring about transformative change in society.