Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the upgradation of ITIs (industrial training institutes) in Telangana as ATCs (advanced technology centres) at Mallepally ITI campus in the presence of minister for IT and industries D Sridhar Babu.
The initiative is part of the Congress government's ambitious `2,324-crore plan to upgrade 65 ITIs into ATCs to hone skills of the youth and meet the growing industrial needs of skilled manpower. The state government has entered into an agreement with Tata Technologies for the task.
Addressing the gathering, Revanth Reddy said the Congress government was committed to developing varied skill sets among the youth to not only help them get employment opportunities but also create jobs for others.
Revanth Reddy highlighted the critical role that unemployment played in the formation of Telangana state. Emphasising his government's dedication to providing job opportunities, he pointed out the inefficacy of the existing government-run ITIs.
"Government-run ITIs have become unproductive. The skill development training programmes, which were introduced 40 to 50 years ago, are outdated and no longer serve the purpose of providing employment opportunities," Revanth Reddy said.
He stressed the need for technical skills, asserting that mere possession of educational certificates is insufficient for securing jobs.
Revanth Reddy unveiled his vision of upgrading ITIs into ATCs. "We are not rulers and people are not our slaves. We are the people’s servants," he stated, highlighting his government's commitment to the welfare of students and the unemployed.
"Telugu people are already competing with the world in the IT sector. Our responsibility is to provide training and jobs to students from middle-class and lower-class families," Revanth said. He urged girl students to join ITIs for skill development training to ensure gender inclusivity in this initiative.
Revanth Reddy, who holds the portfolio of employment generation, promised to closely monitor and review the performance of the ATCs. He expressed confidence that technical skills acquired through ATCs will significantly enhance job opportunities and living standards, ensuring the youth of Telangana are well-equipped to thrive in the modern job market.
IT and industries minister D. Sridhar Babu praised Revanth Reddy's unstinting efforts for the transformation of ITIs into advanced skill development centres to suit the modern job market.
“Right from assuming office in December last, CM Revanth laid special focus on upgrading ITIs to enhance the skills and employability of youth in Telangana state as well as meeting industry demand for a skilled workforce. The CM has plans to set up a Skill University in Telangana soon to impart job skills to youth to make them more employable," he said.
