Vivek Venkatswamy directs officials to align skill development courses with industry needs

Hyderabad: Labour and Employment Minister Dr G Vivek Venkatswamy on Thursday directed officials to improve performance and service delivery across the Labour, Employment, Factories and ESI departments.

The minister reviewed departmental functioning during a brief interaction with officials at the Secretariat on the occasion of the New Year. He set clear expectations and asked officials to work with greater commitment, responsibility and accountability in the year ahead.

Dr Vivek Venkatswamy instructed the Employment and Training Department to introduce new skill development courses at Advanced Technology Centres. He specifically called for Artificial Intelligence–based programmes and said all skill development courses must match current and emerging industry requirements to improve youth employability.

Skill development courses, safety and ESI services under review

While reviewing factory operations, the minister stressed the need to strengthen safety standards and preparedness. Referring to industrial incidents such as the Sigachi mishap, he said there should be zero compromise on worker safety and welfare. He directed the Factories Department to take firm steps to prevent accidents.

The minister also reviewed the functioning of the Employees’ State Insurance department. He instructed officials to ensure quality medical care for Insured Persons and warned that complaints from beneficiaries would not be tolerated. He asked officials to improve healthcare delivery and establish additional ESI dispensaries wherever required.

Officials from various departments visited the minister’s chamber at the Secretariat to extend New Year greetings. Dr Vivek Venkatswamy reciprocated the wishes and urged officials to deliver results through better coordination and accountability.

Special Secretary Dana Kishore and Director of Employment and Training Smt Kanti Wesley were present during the meeting.