Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy on Saturday made a case for overseas employment opportunities for Telangana’s skilled workers and polytechnic graduates and sought to give a fillip the State’s partnerships with Germany and Japan.
Speaking to the media, he said the government had successfully implemented a programme through the Telangana Overseas Manpower Company (TOMCOM), providing German language training to Telangana youth and facilitating employment opportunities in Germany. “We are now extending the experience gained with Germany – to Japan,” he said.
Mr Venkataswamy maintained that much like Germany, Japan, given its increasing senior citizenry, was experiencing a paucity of manpower. Thus, creating significant opportunities for engineers, polytechnic and ITI students, nurses and drivers. He said discussions during the recent Japan visit had indicated a requirement for about 10,000 bus drivers.
Also on the the anvil is training for not only in technical skills, but also in Japanese language, work culture, punctuality and workplace discipline, he said. TOMCOM would facilitate partnerships with foreign governments, universities and companies to provide youth with safer avenues for overseas employment.
Mr Venkataswamy said the government was also revising syllabus to cater to the demand in upcoming sectors such as semiconductors, robotics, automation and defence. The existing curriculum would continue, while students would be given the option of taking up additional courses in emerging skills.
The Minister said 65 Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs) were currently functioning and another 54 would be established, taking the total to 119. The centres would provide training in areas – including CNC machining, robotics and automation, with students also being provided a ₹2,000 stipend during training.
He sought to refute allegations that polytechnic lands were likely being sold. The government had itself allocated 250 acres for new ATCs, he added. “There is no question of selling polytechnic lands,” he said.
The government was also exploring collaboration with Japanese institutions in advanced manufacturing, AI, electronics and automation, besides bringing Japanese rice-processing technology to Telangana, he said.
Published – September 05, 2026 08:42 pm IST
