Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has unveiled an ambitious Rs 100-crore initiative in Visakhapatnam on October 16. This initiative aims to modernize skill development and training institutes throughout the state of Andhra Pradesh. In addition to distributing job offers to trained candidates, the Chief Minister will participate in signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the state government and key industries actively involved in skill development efforts.
Web Portal for Skill Development
During the launch, Chief Minister Jagan will also introduce “Skill Universe,” a comprehensive web portal and mobile application designed to serve as a one-stop solution for all skill development-related activities within the state. This innovative portal will facilitate the convergence of skill development programs and integrate various government departments, effectively streamlining the entire skill development process. Skill Universe will also enable industries to identify and access skilled personnel in alignment with their specific needs.
Real-Time Progress Monitoring
Elaborating on the portal’s capabilities, S Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Skill Development and Training Department, highlighted its potential to unite all stakeholders on a single platform, offering real-time analytics on course progress and available employment opportunities. Candidates seeking to enhance their skills or find job opportunities can register on the application. A unique feature of Skill Universe is its ability to connect job seekers with employers, fostering a collaborative platform.
Integration with Government Portals
In the future, Skill Universe will be integrated with various Government of India portals, such as Skill India Digital, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), among others.
Remarkable Skill Development Progress
Mr. Kumar mentioned that between June 2019 and September 2023, approximately 14,26,515 candidates received training in job and self-employment-oriented skills. The state government invested approximately Rs 314.10 crore in skill development over the last four years, resulting in 3,40,816 trained youths gaining employment, marking the highest number within any comparable period.
Modernization Plans
Looking ahead, Kumar detailed plans to modernize 83 government industrial training institutes, 87 polytechnic colleges, and 26 skill colleges throughout the state, with a budget of Rs 102 crore. These institutions will be rebranded as industry-cum-training centers, poised to provide a skilled workforce capable of meeting both local and global industrial demands. In the first phase, partnerships have been established with 182 major industries, including Kia Motors, L&T, and JSW, which will also provide job opportunities for young individuals.
