IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu and others at a program at the Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI) on Wednesday. | Photo credit: Arrangement
IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu on Wednesday said that Telangana is working with a clear plan to transform itself into the skill capital of India.
As part of this approach, the state government is proposing an integrated qualification strategy for training youth in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, quantum computing and other new technologies in collaboration with industry partners. The focus is on building a future-ready skills ecosystem that will align with industry needs to create a work-ready workforce, the minister said.
Addressing the IT/ITeS and AI – Digital Hackathon 2025 Skills Conference at the Engineering Staff College of India (ESCI), Sridhar Babu said that amid technological shift at an unprecedented pace, future preparedness will depend on how quickly individuals adapt to change. More than 40% of global enterprises have already integrated generative artificial intelligence into core operations in the last two years alone.
He dismissed fears of job losses due to artificial intelligence as largely misguided, saying that automation typically reshapes jobs rather than eliminating them. He cited the World Economic Forum’s assessment that while 85 million roles may be replaced, nearly 97 million new skill-intensive jobs are expected to be created.
He urged young people to prepare themselves for new opportunities arising from technological upheavals. With the number of cyber crimes on the rise worldwide, there is a growing need for ethical hackers and cyber security professionals, he said. Climate challenges are also opening up new roles in clean technology, electric mobility and eco-innovation. Academic qualifications alone are no longer enough in the digital economy. Innovation, problem solving and practical technical skills will define employability, said Mr. Sridhar Babu.
Director of ESCI Dr. Rameshwara Rao and senior officials were present, the minister’s office said in a statement.
Published – 19 Nov 2025 20:22 IST
