The Kerala Cabinet has given its approval to revised guidelines for the 'Connect to Work' scheme. This move aims to significantly improve employment opportunities for young people across the state.
Key Changes to the Scheme
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired the cabinet meeting where these important decisions were made. The updated program focuses on providing both financial support and skill enhancement to Kerala's youth.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet specific requirements. They need to be permanent residents of Kerala. Their age should fall between 18 and 30 years. Additionally, the annual family income must not exceed five lakh rupees.
Target Beneficiaries
The scheme will support two main groups of young people. First, those undergoing skill training at recognized institutions. This includes government centers, public sector units, private organizations, universities, and deemed universities.
Second, the program will assist youth preparing for competitive examinations. These include tests conducted by the UPSC, Kerala PSC, Staff Selection Commission, armed forces, banks, railways, and other central and state recruitment agencies.
Financial Support Details
The cabinet has decided to provide scholarships to the first five lakh eligible applicants. Each beneficiary will receive one thousand rupees every month. This financial assistance will continue for twelve months.
The scholarship amount will be transferred directly to the recipients' bank accounts. The government will use the Direct Benefit Transfer system for these payments. This method ensures transparency and timely delivery of funds.
Implementation and Application Process
The Employment Department will oversee the scheme's implementation. Young people interested in applying can submit their applications through a dedicated online portal. The website address is eemployment.kerala.gov.in.
Program Objectives
The revised scheme has several important goals. It aims to boost confidence among Kerala's youth population. The program seeks to sustain learning motivation during training and exam preparation periods. Most importantly, it focuses on enhancing employability through comprehensive skill development initiatives.
This cabinet decision represents a significant step toward addressing youth unemployment in Kerala. By combining financial support with skill enhancement opportunities, the government hopes to create better employment prospects for the state's young population.
