Karnataka Government Establishes Committee to Conduct Job Fairs for Unemployed Youth

The Karnataka government has announced a new initiative to help the educated unemployed youth of the state find suitable jobs. The initiative, called Yuva Nidhi, is a part of the five poll guarantees that the ruling Congress party had promised before the assembly elections in May 2023.

What is Yuva Nidhi?

Yuva Nidhi is a scheme that offers financial aid and training to graduates and diploma holders who are yet to get a job, but only for a maximum of two years. Under this scheme, unemployed graduates will receive Rs. 3,000 per month and unemployed diploma holders will receive Rs. 1,500 per month for 24 months from the date of registration. The beneficiaries will also be provided with skill development training through the skill connect portal of the state government. The scheme is applicable only to those whose domicile is Karnataka.

How to apply for Yuva Nidhi?

The eligible candidates can apply for Yuva Nidhi through online or offline modes. The online applications can be submitted at Karnataka One, Grama One, Bapuji Seva Kendra or Seva Sindhu portals. The offline applications can be submitted at the nearest employment exchange office. The applicants must possess Aadhaar card, bank passbook, ration card, mark sheets of SSLC, PUC, degree or diploma.

When was Yuva Nidhi launched?

Yuva Nidhi was launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar in Shivamogga on January 12, 2024, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Thousands of people and youths from Shivamogga and neighbouring districts attended the launch event. More than one lakh beneficiaries from Shivamogga, Davangere, Chitradurga, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi and Haveri districts were expected to participate in the event.

What are the other poll guarantees of the Congress?

Apart from Yuva Nidhi, the Congress has already launched four other poll guarantees, which are:

• Shakti: Free rides to women in non-luxury government buses
• Anna Bhagya: Offering 10 kg rice to BPL families
• Gruha Jyoti: Free electricity up to 200 units to households
• Gruha Lakshmi: Rs. 2,000 per month to women heads of families having APL/BPL ration cards

How will Yuva Nidhi help the unemployed youth?

Yuva Nidhi is expected to benefit around 20 lakh unemployed youth in Karnataka. The scheme aims to reduce their financial dependency on others and enhance their employability skills. The scheme also intends to create a database of skilled manpower in the state and match them with suitable job opportunities.

What are the job fairs organised by the state government?

The state government has also formed a committee headed by Medical Education and Skills Development Minister Sharan Prakash Patil to organise mega job fairs at the district and state level. The committee will coordinate with various departments, agencies and employers to conduct job fairs and provide placement assistance to the registered candidates. The committee will also identify the skill gap, attitude, aptitude and employability of the job seekers and bridge them if necessary.