Minister for Industries and Commerce, T.G. Bharath Gupta, urged the youth to utilise job melas organised by the government for a better future while addressing them at the Kurnool Cluster University Job Mela on Saturday.

Mr. Bharath addressed the youth after inaugurating the fourth mega job mela organised by the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) at the Cluster University conference hall. The Minister noted that while three mega job melas had previously been held in Kurnool, youth had availed themselves of only 50% of the available jobs. He attributed this to a lack of necessary skills or some unforeseen reasons.

The Minister said that 19 companies were offering approximately 1,500 jobs. He encouraged the youth to showcase their talents, secure these positions, gain experience by working for a few years, and advance in their careers.

“The State government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, is working with a resolve to provide 20 lakh jobs to the youth over a period of five years. Major companies such as Reliance and those involved in green hydrogen, solar, and wind power generation have commenced operations at the Orvakal Industrial Hub in Kurnool district,” he said.

He also highlighted the expansion of Jai Raj Ispat and the establishment of MSMEs across all districts in the State, which will generate employment. Mr. Bharath urged the youth to prepare themselves with the necessary experience to work in these companies. He stated that 25% of the new industries currently being set up in the country were coming up in Andhra Pradesh due to the efforts of Chief Minister. He said that there was a potential for this figure to reach 50% soon.

Meanwhile, in response to a request from the university officials, Mr. Bharath assured them of phased support for the construction of a mineral water plant and compound wall on the campus.

Cluster University Vice-Chancellor Venkata Basava Rao, on the other hand, said the university was providing quality education and fostering research activities. Expressing happiness that the job fair was being held on the campus, Mr. Basava Rao hoped the youth would take full advantage of the opportunities.