State aims one lakh jobs annually through skill development

Amaravati: IT and HRD minister Nara Lokesh has directed officials to set a target of providing employment to one lakh youth every year through the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), while expanding opportunities for skilled youth both within the country and overseas.

Reviewing the skill development department’s programmes with senior officials at his Undavalli residence, Lokesh called for effective implementation of Central and State skill-training schemes to generate large-scale employment and livelihoods. Officials informed him that 5.43 lakh youth had so far secured jobs and livelihood opportunities through the department. Andhra Pradesh recorded a 76 per cent placement rate, against the national average of 64 per cent, ranking first among major States in placement performance. The State also stood second among major States in large-scale skill training.

The minister directed officials to formulate short- and long-term plans for skill development and job creation and ensure better utilisation of the PM Internship Scheme. Andhra Pradesh ranks second only to Uttar Pradesh in utilisation of the PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), officials said. The meeting decided to upgrade all 192 PMKVY centres across the State.

Officials said 1.02 lakh youth had secured employment through job fairs organised across Andhra Pradesh, while 41,288 people received training through APSSDC in 2024.

Lokesh also directed officials to explore overseas employment opportunities by integrating OMKAP with APSSDC.

Under the PM SETU programme, ITIs in the State have been divided into 18 clusters. AMNS (ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel) has been appointed industrial partner for the Visakhapatnam cluster.

Lokesh directed officials to expedite selection of industrial partners for the remaining clusters so that the upgraded ITIs can better align training with industry requirements.

Principal secretary J Shyamala Rao, APSSDC MD and CEO G Ganesh Kumar and AP State Council of Higher Education in-charge chairman S Vijaya Bhaskar attended the meeting.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

K Varaprasada Rao

K Varaprasada Rao[email protected]

K Varaprasada Rao is a Senior Reporter with The Hans India, covering the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat, Chief Minister's Office (CMO), State Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council and political affairs. With over 20 years of experience in journalism in Andhra Pradesh, he has extensively reported on governance, public policy, politics, and socio-economic issues that shape the state's development and influence the country's evolving landscape. He holds a postgraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. His reporting focuses on finance, industries, irrigation, agriculture, infrastructure, investment, public administration, and political developments, with a particular interest in analysing their long-term economic and social impact.

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