THE IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT LED SKILL ENHANCEMENT INITIATIVES ON YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY: A CASE STUDY OF PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AGENCIES, A PUBLIC – PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP MODEL IN MUMBAI

The accelerating integration of digital transformation, sustainability imperatives, and innovation- driven economic models has redefined the framework of youth employability and rural development in India. This study examines the impact of government-led skill enhancement initiatives, particularly those implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model through Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs), on youth employability and entrepreneurial readiness in Maharashtra. Focusing on Edulight Learning Services Pvt. Ltd. under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) framework, the study examines the impact of digitally integrated training ecosystems on rural youth. It evaluates how such initiatives enhance innovation orientation, sustainability awareness, and startup preparedness. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical mixed-method approach using questionnaires, field visits, and secondary data from published sources to evaluate digital competency, entrepreneurial inclination, sustainability awareness, employment outcomes, and training performance under DDUGKY in Maharashtra. The findings highlight the transformative potential of digital skill ecosystems in strengthening rural employability and entrepreneurial capacity. The study recommends expanding industry partnerships and advanced digital modules to further enhance innovation-driven outcomes and sustainable entrepreneurship among rural trainees.