Out of approximately 1 lakh engineering graduates passing out each year, only 20,000 to 25,000 secure jobs, highlighting a growing concern over unemployment in the engineering sector. The government has been providing skill training to candidates registered under the Yuva Nidhi scheme, but around 90% of them are not attending the sessions, the Minister said.
Dr. Patil extended an open invitation to corporate companies to establish skill training centers in both government and private engineering colleges. “Bajaj has already launched a training center at PES University, and TATA is setting up one at R.V. Engineering College. We will provide the necessary infrastructure if other companies wish to start centers in the State. Moreover, training expenses will be reimbursed to companies once the candidates they train are employed,” he added.
The Minister noted that the government is also setting up multi-level skill training centers in Kalaburagi, Talakal in Koppal district, and Mysuru to train Yuva Nidhi beneficiaries. “Despite government support, many candidates are unwilling to attend. Outreach via calls and messages has not worked. Some may fear that financial assistance will be stopped during training, but we have clarified repeatedly that it continues for two years or until placement,” he said.
Data shows that ₹27 crore allocated for Yuva Nidhi training in 2025 went unused. The department now plans to increase the training target by combining funds from 2025 and 2026.
