Udaan Scheme: Transforming Careers for Indian Youth

What is the Udaan Scheme?

The UDAAN scheme plan is a Special Industry Initiative (SSI) that began for young people in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). It was used by the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC) and funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and it is also under supervising progress. It was introduced in 2011-12 based on the report of the Rangarajan Committee. The program aims to provide five years of training and employment opportunities to 40,000 educated young people in J&K.

Why Was the Udaan Scheme Launched?

The Udaan Scheme plan focuses on improving skills and employability among unemployed youth in J&K. It targets graduates, postgraduates, professional degree holders, and three-year engineering diploma holders. The Scheme plan has two key goals :

1. To provide J&K’s graduates and postgraduates with exposure to top companies across India.

2. To introduce Indian corporates to the skilled talent pool available in J&K.

3. For those who are dealing with Unemployment - Aimed to provide job opportunities for educated youth in Jammu & Kashmir.

4. Bridging the Skill Gap - Helped young graduates gain industry-related skills.

5. Enhancing Employability – Focused on training and placements in leading companies across India.

6. Encouraging Private Sector Participation – Involved corporate partnerships to create career pathways.

7. Promoting Economic Development – Aimed to integrate J&K’s youth into the national workforce.

8. Based on the Rangarajan Committee Report – Launched in 2011-12 to uplift 40,000 youth over five years.

Implementation of the Udaan Scheme

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is responsible for implementing the Udaan Scheme. The Ministry of Home Affairs, along with NSDC, collaborates with various corporate organizations to establish recruitment centers across Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). These centers help in selecting unemployed youth for skill development programs.

1. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between corporates and NSDC to ensure smooth execution of the scheme.

2. Corporates conduct on-campus and off-campus recruitment drives to identify suitable candidates for training.

3. Selected candidates receive details about training duration, location, accommodation, and transport arrangements.

Future Scope of Udaan Scheme

A modified UDAN Scheme plan will be launched to improve regional connectivity, which will have 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech.

The Union Budget 2025-26 presents a super-important vision for India's travel and tourism sector, strengthening or adding support to its role as a key driver of financial growth and employment. The expansion of the UDAN, connecting 120 new destinations and enabling 4 crore added/more passengers over the next ten years, will significantly improve regional connectivity, making travel more easily accessible and low-priced for millions.

Launching of a modified UDAN scheme to enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and catering to an additional four crore passengers over the next 10 years. Brownfield and greenfield projects for airports in Bihar have also been announced. These will have a positive impact on the Indian aviation sector by way of strengthening air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions, thereby boosting air passenger traffic.

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Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for Udaan?

To qualify for training under the Udaan Scheme plan, people who are applying for this must meet the following requirements:

1. Must be a resident of Jammu and Kashmir.

2. Should be between 18 to 40 years of age.

3. Must be a graduate, postgraduate, professional degree holder, a three-year engineering diploma holder, or a final-year graduation student.

4. Should be unemployed at the time of joining the training.

You Can Also Read: Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme: Eligibility & Details

How Does the Udaan Scheme Plan Benefit Indian Youth?

Under the Udaan Scheme plan, selected candidates receive different benefits during their training period, including:

1. A minimum payment of 2,500 per month is required to support them.

2. Medical and travel insurance worth ruppess 1,500 per trainee, covering emergencies, sicknesses, and travel-related events.

Training Process in the Udaan Scheme

Training programs under the Udaan Scheme are designed by corporates based on industry needs.

1. Training Duration: Minimum three months to a maximum of six months, depending on the corporate’s requirements.

2. Curriculum & Venue: Corporates decide the syllabus, training location, and methods to improve candidates' skills and employability.

Job Placement Under the Udaan Scheme

Placement opportunities are provided either during or after the training period through corporate interviews, placement agencies, or job fairs.

1. Corporates receive a ₹50,000 reimbursement per successfully placed candidate from NSDC.

2. To qualify for reimbursement:

a. The trainee must be employed for at least 90 days after training.

b. The job placement must happen within six months of training completion.

Impact of the Udaan Scheme

The Udaan Scheme has significantly contributed to employment generation in J&K.

1. 44,369 candidates enrolled in training programs.

2. 38,798 candidates completed training.

3. 24,184 candidates secured jobs in various sectors.

4. 115 corporations actively participated in offering training and job placements, helping J&K youth build a better future.

Conclusion

The Udaan scheme plan has been a life-changing opportunity for thousands of young people in Jammu & Kashmir. By bridging the gap between education and employment, it has given power to youth with valuable skills, money-based help, and career opportunities. Though the scheme plan is now in its final phase, its effect will be felt for years to come as many trained people continue to build successful careers. For those who seized this chance, Udaan truly became a flight towards a brighter future.