APSSDC and AM/NS India sign LoI for Skill and Community Development Centre at Nakkapalli

Centre to provide industry-linked training and livelihood support for fisherman, farmers, local youth and women

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], October 14: Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to pursue the establishment of a Skill and Community Development Centre (SCDC) at Nakkapalli in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh.

The proposed centre will bring together industry-oriented vocational training and community livelihood programmes to strengthen employability and income opportunities in the region. It aims to support fishermen, farmers, local youth and women through practical training, livelihood initiatives and linkages with relevant government schemes.

Shri Nara Lokesh, Minister for Human Resources Development, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Real Time Governance, Government of Andhra Pradesh, said: “Our priority is to help young people in Andhra Pradesh build skills that lead to employment and ensure that local communities benefit from the state’s industrial growth. The proposed centre at Nakkapalli brings together industry-linked training and livelihood support. We look forward to working with AM/NS India to develop an initiative that strengthens the livelihoods of fishermen and farmers while creating opportunities for youth and women.”

For people in Nakkapalli and nearby areas of Andhra Pradesh, the proposed centre aims to provide access to training that can improve their chances of finding jobs or becoming self-employed. Fishermen and farmers will receive support to strengthen their livelihoods, while women will have opportunities to build skills and develop small businesses. Together, these programmes aim to improve household incomes and help local communities benefit from the region’s industrial growth.

Ashutosh Telang, Director and Vice President – HR & Administration, AM/NS India, said: “The proposed Skill and Community Development Centre reflects our intent to support local communities through skills and livelihood opportunities. The initiative envisages livelihood programmes for fishermen, farmers and women, helping extend its benefits to families across the region. Through our collaboration with APSSDC, we aim to help eligible youth gain industry-relevant training, recognised certification and support in finding employment. We appreciate the support of the local administration, including Smt. Vijaya Krishnan, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Anakapalli, in taking this initiative forward.”

 The centre aims to offer industry-oriented vocational training, recognised certification and placement assistance to eligible local youth. The proposed training programmes will focus on skills relevant to industry needs and help participants prepare for employment.

Alongside vocational training, the community development component envisages programmes in fisheries, agriculture and livestock management, women-led enterprises and self-employment. These initiatives aim to help beneficiaries strengthen their existing livelihoods and explore additional income opportunities.

The LoI was signed by G. Ganesh Kumar, IAS, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, APSSDC, and Ashutosh Telang, Director and Vice President – HR & Administration, AM/NS India. It records the parties’ preliminary intent to pursue the proposed centre. The definitive arrangements for its development and implementation will be governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).