06th March 2025, Hyderabad: In a significant recognition of regional efforts to enhance skill development, Niti Aayog has acknowledged the Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) and Andhra Pradesh’s skill census initiative as exemplary models in India. These initiatives have been credited with improving employability and bridging the gap between industry, academia, and government, making them standout examples in the country’s educational and skill development landscape.
In its latest report titled “Expanding High Quality Higher Education Through States and State Public Universities,” Niti Aayog highlighted various successful practices that contribute to the improvement of quality education in India. Among the models praised, TASK and Andhra Pradesh’s skill census initiative stood out for their strategic approach in equipping students with job-ready skills and identifying skill gaps in the workforce.
TASK: Pioneering Skill Development in Telangana
Established in 2014, TASK is a not-for-profit initiative launched by the Telangana government with the aim of enhancing students’ employability by offering industry-aligned training programs. Over the years, TASK has played a pivotal role in upskilling students and making them proficient in technical, personal, and workplace skills.
One of the key objectives of TASK is to bridge the skill gap between academia and industry by offering affordable training programs. The initiative provides access to technical courses, faculty training, research projects, and quality education programs, ensuring students are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of various industries.
TASK operates by connecting educational institutions with skilled professionals and industry leaders, ensuring students receive hands-on training in emerging technologies. This approach has significantly streamlined the hiring process for companies looking for qualified and job-ready candidates.
Over the past decade, TASK has collaborated with 761 colleges and trained nearly 9,84,000 students and 16,650 faculty members. Additionally, the initiative has partnered with 60 industries to offer skill-based programs and has successfully facilitated over 35,000 job placements for students in different sectors.
“The success of TASK lies in its ability to align training with industry needs. By continuously evolving and adapting to new technological advancements, TASK has provided students with a competitive edge in the job market,” the Niti Aayog report stated.
Andhra Pradesh’s Skill Census: A Data-Driven Approach to Workforce Development
Alongside TASK, Niti Aayog also recognized Andhra Pradesh’s innovative skill census initiative, which was launched in January 2023 in collaboration with Infosys. This initiative is a first-of-its-kind effort to comprehensively assess the skills of the state’s working-age population and identify key areas for intervention and training.
The skill census is an ambitious project covering 16 million households and evaluating the skills of individuals aged between 16 to 60. The initiative aims to create a detailed database of workforce skills, aligning them with industry demands to ensure that job seekers are well-prepared for employment opportunities.
What sets the Andhra Pradesh skill census apart is its use of cutting-edge technology. Infosys, a leading IT services company, has incorporated generative AI to help record and analyze the skills of participants. This use of artificial intelligence enables more accurate mapping of skill sets, allowing policymakers to design targeted training programs that directly address industry requirements.
By identifying skill gaps and aligning workforce capabilities with employer needs, the Andhra Pradesh skill census aims to create a sustainable employment ecosystem. The initiative focuses on enhancing opportunities for youth and working professionals by providing tailored support and structured skill development programs.
Impact on India’s Skill Development Ecosystem
The recognition of TASK and Andhra Pradesh’s skill census by Niti Aayog underscores the importance of localized skill development initiatives in shaping India’s workforce. As the country continues to evolve into a global hub for industries such as IT, manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services, initiatives like these provide a structured pathway for students and professionals to acquire relevant skills.
The success of TASK and the Andhra Pradesh skill census could serve as models for other states looking to enhance their own skill development programs. Experts believe that a nationwide adoption of similar strategies could significantly boost India’s employability rate and economic growth.
According to education and industry experts, one of the key takeaways from TASK’s success is its ability to adapt to technological advancements. In a rapidly changing job market, continuous learning and upskilling are crucial, and TASK has been proactive in offering courses in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics.
Similarly, Andhra Pradesh’s skill census demonstrates the power of data-driven decision-making in education and employment policies. By leveraging AI and large-scale data analysis, the initiative is setting a precedent for how governments can efficiently plan skill development strategies based on real-time workforce insights.
Future Prospects and Expansion Plans
Given the positive impact of these initiatives, there is growing interest in expanding their scope and reach. The Telangana government has expressed interest in enhancing TASK’s offerings by introducing more industry-specific training programs and expanding its partnerships with global tech companies.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh’s government is looking at ways to refine and scale its skill census initiative. Future plans include deeper integration of AI tools, increased collaboration with private sector companies, and the development of skill-based certification programs that can improve job prospects for participants.
Industry leaders and educators have welcomed the recognition from Niti Aayog, emphasizing that such initiatives can help bridge the talent gap in India. They stress the need for other states to adopt similar models to create a workforce that is not only skilled but also adaptable to future technological advancements.
Conclusion
The acknowledgment of TASK and Andhra Pradesh’s skill census by Niti Aayog marks a significant step in India’s skill development journey. These initiatives serve as exemplary models for other states, showcasing how government-backed programs can successfully bridge the skill gap, enhance employability, and foster economic growth.
By integrating industry collaboration, technology-driven data collection, and targeted training programs, both TASK and Andhra Pradesh’s skill census highlight the need for an adaptive and innovative approach to skill development in India. As the country moves toward becoming a global talent hub, such initiatives will play a critical role in shaping the future of India’s workforce and driving sustainable economic progress.
