IT Minister Nara Lokesh has announced a much-needed initiative for jobless youth in Andhra Pradesh. The new platform, titled Naipunyam (Skill) Portal, will be officially launched on September 1. This move aims to bridge the widening gap between job-seeking youth and the growing demands of global industries investing in the state.
As Andhra Pradesh welcomes thousands of crores in investments across multiple sectors, Lokesh emphasized the importance of skill alignment between youth and employer expectations. He said the goal of the portal is to integrate job-providing companies with educated youth, ensuring a streamlined and effective recruitment process.
To aid in this mission, Lokesh also stated that organisations like the Skill Development Corporation will be onboarded. He noted that the focus would be on upskilling, quality training, and certification, offering a comprehensive solution rather than fragmented efforts. “It’s not just the job of Lokesh or the AP government; it’s a collective effort,” he said.
Speaking at the Empowering India’s Green Future conference, Lokesh revealed his conversations with Middle Eastern leaders. They reportedly expressed readiness to absorb skilled manpower from AP, especially in sectors like green and renewable energy. The condition: state-certified and industry-ready workforce.
Lokesh underlined the urgency of preparing for a future where artificial intelligence (AI) might replace conventional jobs. However, he pointed out that past industrial revolutions always resulted in more jobs—just in regions that embraced the change. His concluding message was clear: “We must adapt and prepare our youth today to lead tomorrow’s global workforce.”
