65 new ITIs, 10 skill universities on anvil: Telangana CM Revanth

Earlier students were not joining skill development courses as they were awarded with a diploma certificate. Hence, we have amended the policy so that these students will be now awarded with degree certificate - Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy

Development of 65 ITIs alongside IT, and non-IT skill development institutes in the State on the cards, under joint ventures with private entities, said Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy.

Speaking at CII Telangana, TDF-USA Conference on Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurial Opportunities, in Hyderabad on Wednesday, the Chief Minister revealed the government’s strategy in advancing education and skilling through partnerships with industry giants like Tata, Mahindra, and Century.

On the third day of the World Economic Forum held in January 2024 in Davos, the State government had entered pact with many companies. One of the MoU was signed with Tata Technologies Limited to set up advanced skill training centres in ITIs of the State. Under the partnership, the government ITIs will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore, he said.

“Earlier students were not joining skill development courses as they were awarded with a diploma certificate. Hence, we have amended the policy so that these students will be now awarded with degree certificate. We have discussed with Universities including Tech Mahindra to establish such skilling universities in Telangana,” he said.

These universities, serving as hubs of excellence, will have industry partners contributing to curriculum design while the State will ensure regulatory oversight. He mentioned that this collaborative effort aims to revolutionise the skilling landscape. “Our students have to upgrade their skill sets as the competition is not with Indian States but with global players. The Government, in understanding with private entities, will set up 10 skill development universities in 10 districts, especially targeting the rural youth,” the CM informed.

This initiative, elevation of skill-based courses to degree status, offers graduates opportunities for advancement. Graduates will enhance their global competitiveness and employability, driving economic growth. Reddy further stated that the State government will move forward with the support of CII in creating education and employment opportunities in Telangana.

C Shekar Reddy, Chairman, CII Telangana in his welcome address appealed to the Chief Minister to take into consideration recommendations of Confederation of Indian Industry such as setting up of CII Centre of Excellence (CoE) for skilling in Telangana, alongside upgrading National Academy of Construction (NAC) to National Construction University, for which the papers are pending with the government. “Currently CII has 10 CoEs placed across India, with two present in Hyderabad.

CII is trying to set up a CoE for skilling. We can take the discussion forward if the government is interested. In addition, there is shortage of civil engineers as many are opting for IT and computers. Hence, a consultancy wing at these colleges should be set up to upgrade knowledge of students and the faculty. Moreover, a file is pending with the government to upgrade NAC into Construction University. As CII Telangana has land, infrastructure, funds to train one lakh students, along with scope for international collaborations which can make skilling quality on par with international standards,” he said.