Gram Nirman program has initiated discussions with the Pan IIT Alumni Reach for Jharkhand (Prejha) Foundation to explore avenues for skill development and employment generation. The meeting, held on January 29, 2025, aimed to identify opportunities to enhance the employability of tribal youth in Jharkhand. This collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between education, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods in one of India’s most resource-rich yet socio-economically challenged states.

The Gram Nirman program, launched in 2021, has been a cornerstone of Caritas India’s efforts to uplift marginalized communities. Operating in five tribal districts of Jharkhand, it has reached 50 remote villages, while also extending its impact to six districts in Chhattisgarh and eighteen urban slums in East Delhi. The program focuses on empowering rural youth by strengthening community-based youth groups and involving them in the planning and implementation of village development initiatives.

By connecting these young individuals with government and non-government skill training institutions, the program aims to improve their employability and integrate them into mainstream development processes. Over the years, Gram Nirman has organized career guidance and counselling sessions in collaboration with various organizations to help youth make informed decisions about their careers.

During the recent visit, the program team explored the potential of Prejha Foundation’s Kaushal College facilities, which operate across 23 districts in Jharkhand. These centres offer industry-certified courses tailored to meet the needs of tribal youth. Programs include Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) for girls, ITI Manufacturing for both genders, ITI Food Craft for girls, and electrician, plumber, and fitter courses for boys. Additionally, sewing machine operator training is available for girls. These courses are designed not only to provide technical skills but also to ensure job placements with safety and security agreements through partnerships with companies nationwide.

What makes these initiatives particularly impactful is the financial support provided by the Jharkhand government and local partner banks. A 100% loan facility is available for all courses, covering expenses such as fees, uniforms, housing, food, and other training-related costs. Students repay these loans only after securing employment. Furthermore, trainees receive stipends during their training period, making these programs accessible even to the most vulnerable sections of society.

This collaboration comes at a critical juncture for Jharkhand. Despite its wealth of natural resources like coal, bauxite, iron ore, and uranium, the state struggles with high unemployment rates—3.6% among those aged 15-29—and a significant outflow of migrant labourers seeking work outside the state. Many young migrate without adequate skills or knowledge in search of employment and often fall prey to exploitative intermediaries. Women face additional risks as domestic workers in unregulated environments where they are vulnerable to abuse.

Caritas India’s Gram Nirman program aims to address these challenges by providing dignified livelihood opportunities within the state itself. By connecting rural youth with institutions like the Prejha Foundation that offer comprehensive skill development programs and guaranteed job placements, the initiative seeks to reduce migration pressures and empower young people to build secure futures in their communities.

Jharkhand’s tribal population has long faced developmental challenges due to illiteracy, lack of infrastructure, reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and limited awareness about opportunities. Programs like Gram Nirman are vital in addressing these systemic issues by fostering self-reliance and creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods. This partnership with Prejha Foundation could be a promising step forward in ensuring that rural youth are equipped with the skills they need to thrive while contributing meaningfully to their communities’ development.