Lokesh Pushes for Job-Oriented Skill Census and Global Training Opportunities

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh has called for a focused and impactful skill census to address unemployment and boost job creation. During a review of the Skill Census and Skill Development Department at his Undavalli residence on Wednesday, Lokesh emphasized the need for a comprehensive pre-assessment process, stating that a census without it would lack purpose.

He proposed integrating qualification certificates of students and youth into the census framework to enhance job prospects. Officials informed him that Infosys has agreed to facilitate the basic assessment, and individuals who miss in-person enumeration can opt for self-enumeration via a dedicated app.

Lokesh instructed officials to analyze the census data quickly, once finalized by J Paul Company, and share detailed insights with industries to streamline recruitment. He also suggested linking the census data with platforms like LinkedIn, Naukri.com, and JobX and cross-verifying it with PF, ESI, and GST data for greater precision.

Highlighting training initiatives, officials reported that IBM and Microsoft have committed to training programs through Centres of Excellence at various universities under a train-and-hire model. Lokesh proposed establishing a Centre of Excellence for construction workers in Amaravati through the National Academy of Construction (NACC) and revealed ongoing discussions with L&T for sector-specific training.

The minister urged the government to focus on preparing nursing students for overseas employment, particularly in Germany, where demand is high. He also emphasized training youth in high-demand international courses through Oncap.

Lokesh reiterated the need to establish a Skill University in Amaravati, aligned with government policy, to further enhance training and employability efforts.

Key officials, including Principal Secretary (Skill Development) S Suresh Kumar, Skill Development Corporation MD G Ganesh Kumar, and others, attended the review meeting.