As for the unemployment situation, the unemployment rate among males is better (2.9 percent) in Karnataka when compared to the national figures (6.1 percent). However, female participation in the labour force is less compared to the participation of the male labour force in the state. Interestingly, the unemployment rate is less (0.8 percent) among those who have not undergone vocational training, when compared to the ones trained (1.7 percent), states the Labour Bureau data 2015-16. This can be inferred as a message to emphasize the necessity for augmenting the effectiveness of the skill development programs in the state to improve the rate of employment. Karnataka has an excellent opportunity of achieving economic growth through its favourable demographic dividend. However, this can be accomplished only by promoting skill development of the working population in general and youth in particular. Skill development is imperative for Karnataka at the moment as the state is aspiring to be the choice of destination for skilled human capital (GRAAM DDUGKY Evaluation Report 2020).

Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) has been commissioned by the KSDC to carry out an impact (output and outcome) evaluation of CMKKY and PMKVY schemes in selected districts of Karnataka. The stipulated reference period for the study is 2017-18 to 2019- 20 (three years).