AI skill portal to launch by March-end: Lokesh

Vijayawada: HRD, IT and electronics minister Nara Lokesh announced that the govt is preparing to launch a first-of-its-kind AI-driven skill portal by March-end. The platform will feature Aadhaar-based credential verification, CV-building tools, AI-powered courses, self-assessment modules, and interview training support. It will also aggregate job opportunities using artificial intelligence.Lokesh explained that the initiative is part of a cluster-based industrial development model aimed at fulfilling the government's "Super-6" promise of creating 20 lakh jobs in five years.
Responding to queries during the assembly's Question Hour, Lokesh said the coalition govt's vision of "One State, One Capital, Decentralised Development" is being executed through the identification of 22 industrial clusters across Andhra Pradesh.He detailed plans for clusters including automotive in Rayalaseema and Anantapur, renewable energy and cement in Kurnool, electronics in Kadapa and Chittoor, glass and AC manufacturing in Nellore, compressed biogas in Prakasam, quantum computing in Amaravati, aqua in the Godavari districts, and pharma, medical devices and steel in north Andhra. The govt is also working on developing a drone city and a space city.Lokesh emphasised vertical and horizontal integration within clusters, bringing ancillary units into the same ecosystem to replicate global supply chain models. He revealed discussions with the University of New South Wales to establish a rapid prototyping, testing and design centre at IIT Tirupati to support wafer manufacturing units in north Andhra and Rayalaseema.Highlighting Andhra Pradesh's dominance in AC production — with 50% of India's units manufactured in the state — Lokesh credited industries minister TG Bharat for attracting companies such as Daikin, LG Electronics and Blue Star Limited. Production is expected to rise to 70% in the next two years.He noted that companies have sought ITI integration, curriculum support and local heat pump testing facilities to reduce overseas costs. A ministerial group is tracking 760 MoUs signed with industries, while sector-specific leaders are being tasked with ecosystem development.Lokesh said 1,587 job fairs have been conducted so far, with 11,373 companies participating and 1,08,747 youth securing jobs. Skill training was imparted to 73,000 candidates through APSSDC, SEEDAP and NAC, resulting in 40,000 placements. He added that international demand for nursing and paramedical professionals is being tapped through language training programmes, with 150 candidates already placed abroad and a target of sending 5 lakh youth overseas. NAC will be strengthened within 90 days to produce world-class construction workers, supported by enhanced monitoring through CCTV and facial recognition systems.