Minister Nara Lokesh seeks centre’s nod for national skill training institute in Visakha

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education and IT Nara Lokesh on Monday met Union Minister of State (independent charge), Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education, Jayant Chaudhary, and sought the Centre’s approval for setting up a National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Visakhapatnam.

During the meeting in Delhi, Lokesh requested the establishment of the NSTI to strengthen advanced skill training and faculty development in Andhra Pradesh.

He informed the Union Minister that the State Government has already identified five acres of land at Pedagantyada in Visakhapatnam district for the proposed institute, underscoring Andhra Pradesh’s readiness to support the project.

State IT Minister explained that the proposed NSTI would function as a regional hub for faculty training, industry-linked skilling, green skills development and digital transformation, while also making a significant contribution to strengthening India’s national skill ecosystem.

He emphasized that the institute would play a key role in preparing a future-ready workforce aligned with emerging industry requirements.

The AP Minister also urged the Union Minister to grant special permission for large-scale adoption of NCVET qualifications through SBTET–AP, beyond the current limitations applicable in the state.

Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekar and other MPs from Andhra Pradesh were present.