Andhra Pradesh's Minister for IT and Human Resource Development, Nara Lokesh, has made a strong pitch to the Union Government for establishing a premier skill development centre in the state. During his meetings with key Union Ministers in New Delhi on Monday, Lokesh presented a series of proposals aimed at boosting technical training, attracting high-tech investments, and enhancing educational outcomes in Andhra Pradesh.
Push for National Skill Institute and Wider Certification
In a significant move, Minister Lokesh formally requested the Union Government to set up a National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in the port city of Visakhapatnam. He met with Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary to advance this proposal. The state government has already identified and earmarked five acres of land at Pedagantyada in Visakhapatnam for this prestigious institute.
The proposed NSTI is envisioned as a hub for advanced skill development, focusing on critical areas such as faculty training, industry-linked skilling programs, green skills for sustainability, and digital literacy initiatives. To further streamline skill certification and improve employability, Lokesh also sought permission for the wider adoption of National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) qualifications through the State Board of Technical Education and Training, Andhra Pradesh (SBTET-AP).
Global Tech Interest and Centre-State Coordination for Investments
Fresh from a visit to the United States where he engaged with leaders of major technology corporations, Lokesh shared encouraging feedback with Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Dharmendra Pradhan. He reported that global technology giants, including Google, NVIDIA, and Adobe, have expressed concrete interest in exploring investments in Andhra Pradesh.
The areas of potential investment highlighted by these companies span cutting-edge sectors such as semiconductors, electronics manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital infrastructure. Lokesh emphasized the need for seamless Centre-state coordination to successfully channel these investment opportunities, which would benefit not just Andhra Pradesh but the entire nation's technological landscape.
Revamping Education: From Foundational Learning to Smart Kitchens
During his detailed discussion with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Lokesh outlined the transformative steps being taken in Andhra Pradesh's education sector. Key initiatives presented include:
- The rollout of a guaranteed foundational literacy and numeracy program to strengthen basic learning.
- The introduction of a clicker-based classroom response system in government schools to make learning interactive.
- The innovative 'Andhra Pradesh School Legislature' initiative, which included a mock assembly session and led to the publication of a Children's Constitution of India.
To expand educational infrastructure, Lokesh sought approval for 11 new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and support for operationalising 12 Kendriya Vidyalayas. He also requested financial assistance under the STARS project, including the proposed Rs 4,400 crore funds for the 2025-26 financial year.
On the nutrition front, the minister explained the model of the government-managed central smart kitchen in Kadapa and requested permission to establish 155 more smart kitchens under the PM Poshan scheme. He invited Minister Pradhan to inaugurate a model autism support centre in Guntur. Before concluding his Delhi visit, Lokesh also held discussions with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Members of Parliament on various legislative and developmental matters concerning the state.
