In a first such initiative in the country, Andhra Pradesh government is gearing up to conduct a Skill Census to identify and catalogue the skills of individuals across the State.
Sanctioning the skill census project was among the first set of files that Nara Chandrababu Naidu had signed soon after taking charge as the Chief Minister for fourth term on June 12.
The ambitious project is designed to promote workforce productivity by ensuring targeted training and increased employability.
Chandrababu Naidu had shared the concept of skill census while releasing the NDA’s electoral manifesto. The exercise is expected to revolutionise the State’s workforce by aligning individual skills with appropriate training programmes, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and employability of the youth.
The manifesto also pledged payment of Rs3,000 as monthly financial assistance to unemployed youth, which will be provided to them until they secure jobs. This is part of the broader promise by the NDA, comprising the Telugu Desam Party, Jana Sena Party and BJP, to create 20 lakh jobs over the next five years, ensuring substantial support to the State’s unemployed youth.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad issued a notification in the Gazette on Friday on Skill Census stating that AP State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) will be the nodal agency for conducting the Skill Census and it should take immediate and necessary action.
The Gazette emphasized that to achieve the goal, a detailed survey of the existing workforce and demographic trends will be used to map the supply scenario with the objectives including assessing skill profiles, skill needs and skill gaps.
These initiatives will significantly shape the future workforce and the state’s overall development. The census will identify students’ skills and, if necessary, the government will offer skill development programmes to improve their employability.
Prof. BJM Reddy, Placement Officer, Adikavi Nannaya University, said: “Skill Census is significant in the context of aligning Andhra Pradesh’s workforce with industrial demands and improving overall employability in the state. By bridging the gap between the skills provided by institutions and those required by industries, we can ensure that training programmes are aligned with market needs.
“This alignment enhances the effectiveness of skill development initiatives, ultimately generating employability in AP. The government should train the youth in tune with skill requirements relevant to economic growth, meeting industry needs, and filling the gap between academia and industry. Recognizing various skills in different students is essential as every student has unique talents.”
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