CM Jagan to Launch Rs 100 Crore Programme to Modernise Skill Development and Training

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy would launch a Rs 100 crore programme to modernise the skill development and training institutes across the state on Monday.

“The Chief Minister would launch ‘Skill Universe’, a web portal and mobile application that will be a one-stop solution for all skill development-related activities in the state,” said principal secretary to skill development and training, Suresh Kumar.

He said the CM would launch a Rs 100 crore worth programme to modernise skill development and training institutes, issue job offer letters to persons trained in various skills and witness the signing of MoU with major industries.

Explaining the efficacy of Skill Universe, he said, “This is one application wherein candidates seeking training in different skills and those looking for job opportunities can register. Job providers can also register on this platform. It would be easy for both sides to explore options.”

Later, Skill Universe would be integrated with central government portals like Skill India Digital, EPFO and MSMEs. “Industries will partner with the state to build the latest skill infrastructure on a mission mode.”

“AP has been a pioneer in skill development programmes since 2004. Between June 2019 and September 2023, as many as 14,26,515 candidates have been imparted training in various job and self-employment-oriented skills. In the last four years, we spent about Rs 314.10 crore for this purpose. Our programmes helped 3,40,816 trainees secure gainful employment,” he noted.

Some 83 government-run industrial training institutes, 87 polytechnic colleges and 26 skill colleges across the state would be modernised at a cost of Rs 102 crore. They would be equipped with the latest and high-end machinery.

Suresh Kumar said, “These institutes will now be re-branded as industry-cum-training centres to create a competent and skilled workforce catering to local and global industrial requirements. In the first phase, we have finalised tie-ups with 182 industries like Kia Motors, L&T, JSW, Samsung, UltraTech, Schneider Electric, Hyundai Steel and Johnson Lifts and Escalators for the purpose.”