“Naipunyam,” meaning “skill” in Telugu, is envisioned as a one-stop platform where employers and job seekers can connect in real-time

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In a move set to redefine employment access for blue-collar workers, the Andhra Pradesh government is preparing to launch “Naipunyam”, a LinkedIn-style digital job portal aimed at bridging the gap between skilled workers and industry demand. The portal slated for launch on September 1 is one of the most ambitious job-linking initiatives ever attempted by any State.

“Naipunyam,” meaning “skill” in Telugu, is envisioned as a one-stop platform where employers and job seekers can connect in real-time. What sets it apart from previous employment exchanges is its smart integration of data, skill mapping, and industry-specific demand aggregation. “We are building a system that doesn’t just match CVs with job titles, but matches actual capability with current market needs,” said Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) Chairman B. Sesharao.

The Naipunyam portal was conceptualized following a pilot skill census in Mangalagiri constituency, represented by Minister Lokesh himself. “We surveyed households door-to-door and created a database of skills ranging from IT and electrical work to plumbing and tailoring,” he explained. “This helped us understand not only what skills people claim to have, but what they are proficient in and what training they lack.”

The portal will feature district-wise listings of job seekers with details including education, experience, skill set, and proficiency levels. On the other side, corporations will be able to post jobs, filter candidates, and find verified manpower with just a few clicks. “For job seekers, it’s like having a modern-day employment exchange in their pockets,” Sesharao said.

Beyond matching jobs, Naipunyam is also designed to serve as a policy feedback tool. By analyzing data on hiring patterns and skill shortages, the government aims to recalibrate its skilling programs. “If the industry needs more CNC machine operators and we don’t have enough, we’ll introduce targeted training. That’s the power of real-time governance,” said V.Mohan, Skill officer, adding that one of the next frontiers for the platform is assessing traditional skills. “It’s easy to evaluate someone’s coding ability, but how do you measure the proficiency of a house painter or a mechanic?”

 The state is now working on a new metric system to grade traditional vocational skills, using performance-based assessments, certifications, and peer reviews. Industry experts have welcomed the move. “If done right, Naipunyam could become a model for the rest of India,” said P.Vara Prasad, a senior HR executive from a manufacturing firm based in Visakhapatnam. “Finding trained workers is a challenge. This portal can become a hiring backbone for the entire MSME sector.”

As Andhra Pradesh sets its sights on becoming a talent-exporting state, Naipunyam could well become the digital bridge that connects the aspirations of skilled workers with the growing demand of India’s industrial ecosystem.