Statewide Skill Census to Launch Soon: Minister Nara Lokesh

Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics Nara Lokesh has directed officials to initiate the Skill Census program across Andhra Pradesh soon. In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, Lokesh held a review meeting with officials from the Skill Development Department at his Undavalli residence, discussing the framework for implementing the Skill Census. He suggested incorporating the experiences gained from the pilot project conducted in Mangalagiri to make the program more efficient and accessible statewide.

Lokesh emphasized that the data collected through the Skill Census should be beneficial to the youth throughout their lifetime. He instructed officials to gather data not only from the organized sectors but also from unorganized skilled workers. Highlighting the efforts of the Telugu Desam Party’s central office, where training and job opportunities are provided using party funds, he proposed replicating this model through the OM CAP initiative to facilitate overseas job placements for the youth.

Further, he pointed out that there is significant demand for skilled workers not only in Arab countries but also in European and Southeast Asian nations. If localized training programs are conducted according to the specific needs of these regions, around 200,000 job opportunities could be created abroad. Lokesh suggested introducing foreign language training, such as German and Japanese, for students in various government colleges to enhance their employability in international markets.

He stressed the importance of equipping the youth with cutting-edge technologies and advanced technical knowledge to meet global demand. Once the Skill Census is completed, efforts should be made to encourage young people to pursue skill development training in areas of their interest.

Lokesh reiterated that the primary objective of the Skill Census is to facilitate the creation of 2 million jobs over the next five years, thereby strengthening the economic status of lower and middle-income families. He directed officials to ensure there is no duplication of data from platforms such as CDAP, APSSDC, and NAP during the data compilation process.

Skill Development Secretary Kona Shashidhar, Skill Development MP Ganesh Kumar, and other officials participated in the meeting.