Connect to Work Scheme: Kerala Government Approves Initiative Supporting 10,000 Unemployed Youth

The Kerala government has officially launched the 'Connect to Work' scheme to support unemployed youth in the state.  

Under this initiative, 10,000 young individuals will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 for a year to aid their transition into the workforce, as per news report. 

State Begins Disbursement Under New Youth Support Scheme 

As of January 23, 2026, the Kerala government has disbursed ₹1,000 each to 9,861 eligible youth under the 'Connect to Work' initiative. The scheme provides direct financial assistance to job seekers aged 18 to 30 who have completed at least higher secondary education or equivalent.  

Beneficiaries must belong to families with an annual income below ₹5,00,000. The fund transfer is made through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring timely and transparent payments.  

Industries Minister P Rajeev stated on social media platform X that the remaining 139 payments are pending due to technical issues and will be resolved shortly. 

Eligibility and Application Process 

Eligibility for the programme includes passing higher secondary school, vocational courses, ITI training, diploma or undergraduate degree. All applicants are also required to belong to families with total income below ₹5,00,000 annually and beneficiaries will receive Rs 1,000 monthly for 12 months. Applications were submitted online through the national employment service portal. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the scheme on January 19, 2026. At the launch event, he highlighted that over 36,500 applications had been received. After a detailed review, an initial selection of 10,000 candidates was approved for the first phase of the scheme. 

Read More: Cabinet Approves ₹5,000 Crore Equity Support for SIDBI to Boost MSME Financing! 

Objectives of the Initiative 

The 'Connect to Work' scheme is aimed at improving employability and providing short-term financial relief. The allowance is not a salary but a form of support to help bridge the period between education completion and employment. The state also intends to build a supportive environment for skill development and job readiness through this engagement. 

Conclusion 

Kerala’s 'Connect to Work' initiative is a structured measure aimed at reducing the early-stage employment gap among educated youth from financially weaker sections. By supporting 10,000 individuals in its first rollout, the state attempts to provide stability and encouragement for job-seeking efforts. 

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