Visakhapatnam Emerges as a National Model for Industry-Led Skilling Under Chandrababu Naidu's Vision and Nara Lokesh's Leadership* _*- Palla Srinivasa Rao*_

Visakhapatnam: Indian News Times :1june     Visakhapatnam has taken a significant step towards establishing itself as a national hub for industry-linked skill development and employment generation, with Andhra Pradesh becoming the first State in India to secure approval for a Strategic Investment Plan under the Prime Minister's Scheme for Upgradation of Industrial Training Institutes (PM-SETU).

The National Steering Committee under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has approved the Strategic Investment Plan for the Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster, developed in partnership with ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India). With this landmark approval, Andhra Pradesh has become the first State in the country to operationalise an Anchor Industry Partner under the PM-SETU framework, creating a model for industry-government collaboration in vocational education and workforce development.

The initiative will benefit more than 25,000 youth through four Government ITIs in Visakhapatnam district over the next five years. Backed by an investment of ₹200.21 crore, the project is designed to align technical education with industry requirements, enhance employability and create access to quality employment opportunities in high-growth sectors.

Describing the development as a landmark moment for both Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh, Telugu Desam Party State President and Gajuwaka MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao said the achievement reflects the long-term vision of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who has consistently championed the integration of education, skill development, industrialisation and employment creation.

“Chandrababu Naidu Garu has always believed that sustainable economic growth must be supported by a skilled and empowered workforce. His focus has never been limited to attracting investments alone; it has been about ensuring that the youth of Andhra Pradesh are equipped to benefit from those investments. This achievement is a reflection of that vision,” Mr. Srinivasa Rao said.

He noted that the approval also highlights the sustained efforts of Minister for Information Technology, Electronics and Communications and Human Resources Development Nara Lokesh, whose initiatives have focused on building a future-ready ecosystem that connects education, skills and employment opportunities.

“Nara Lokesh Garu has been working relentlessly to transform Visakhapatnam into a centre for investment, innovation, manufacturing and employment. His emphasis on strengthening educational institutions, expanding skilling opportunities and creating industry linkages is steadily laying the foundation for a new era of economic growth in North Andhra,” Mr. Srinivasa Rao observed.

He said the PM-SETU initiative represents far more than the modernisation of training institutions. It is a strategic partnership between the Government of India, the Government of Andhra Pradesh and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India that seeks to create a sustainable talent pipeline for emerging industrial sectors.

As Visakhapatnam attracts increasing investments in steel, manufacturing, logistics, clean energy, technology and industrial services, the availability of skilled manpower will be critical to sustaining this growth momentum. The Visakhapatnam ITI Cluster is expected to bridge the gap between industry demand and workforce readiness, ensuring that local youth are equipped with skills that match the requirements of a rapidly evolving economy.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the initiative would substantially strengthen the State Government's mission of creating 20 lakh jobs for Andhra Pradesh's youth while reinforcing Visakhapatnam's position as one of the country's fastest-growing economic and industrial centres.

“Every investment requires talent. Every industry requires skilled manpower. Every employment mission requires a strong skilling foundation. This approval brings all these elements together and creates a pathway for thousands of young people to participate in Andhra Pradesh's growth story. It will strengthen our industrial ecosystem, improve employment outcomes and position Visakhapatnam as a national model for industry-led skilling and workforce development,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to the Government of India, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and all stakeholders associated with the initiative, Mr. Srinivasa Rao said the approval reflects the growing confidence of national institutions and industry leaders in Andhra Pradesh's development trajectory.

“The future belongs to regions that can create skilled talent at scale. Through visionary leadership, progressive policies and strong industry partnerships, Andhra Pradesh is demonstrating how skill development can become a catalyst for investment, employment and inclusive economic growth,” he added.

                  — Palla Srinivasa Rao

         State President, Telugu Desam Party

                     K.V.SHARMA EDITOR