Lokesh: Skill Census to empower AP youth

In a pioneering move, Andhra Pradesh has launched the Skill Census programme, the first of its kind in India, aimed at creating self-employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
Minister for Education, Electronics, IT, and RTGS, Nara Lokesh, highlighted that the initiative focuses on equipping young people with skills for both local and international job markets.
Lokesh announced that the state has partnered with Centurion University to develop self-employment-based skill programmes for rural youth. The initiative will also focus on establishing enterprise clusters in sectors such as garment manufacturing, auto parts, dragon fruit cultivation, smart agriculture, and drone technology. Vocational training will be provided to youth in these sectors.
Additionally, an agreement with 2COMS will offer internationally recognised skill training, preparing youth for overseas employment opportunities.
The first phase of the Skill Census has been completed, covering 1.12 lakh households and 2.77 lakh residents in the Mangalagiri Assembly constituency and Thullur mandals. Lokesh announced that the programme will soon expand across the state, with a target for completion within six months.
The minister also outlined plans for the next six months, including the distribution of APAAR IDs to all polytechnic and ITI students. He emphasised the importance of training 20,000 candidates in 200 skill hubs, 2,000 in skill colleges, and 2,500 in NAC centres under the AP Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Additionally, 26,000 candidates will be trained through the DDUGKY skill development initiative.
Under the Skill International Programme, the state will focus on recruiting candidates for sectors such as nursing, construction, and the automobile industry, with support from CEDAP and Indo-Euro Synchronisation. Lokesh also called for the organisation of statewide job fairs and the modernisation of laboratories in government polytechnic colleges.
With a strong emphasis on vocational training, skill development, and employment generation, Andhra Pradesh aims to empower its youth and strengthen the state’s workforce in the coming months.