Telangana Government Hosts Industrial Roundtable on Retail Sector to Shape a Skilled Workforce for the Future

(Judicial Quest News Network)

In a bid to bridge the skill gap and prepare the youth for the growing demands of the retail sector, the Department of Employment & Training (DET), Government of Telangana, in collaboration with the Centre for Good Governance (CGG), successfully organized an Industrial Roundtable Conference on the retail sector. Themed “Skilling Telangana for a Brighter Future,” the event is part of a broader initiative that aims to address skill development needs across various sectors. The conference took place on March 7, 2025, and is the first of a series of six roundtables scheduled between March 7 and March 21, 2025, focusing on key sectors such as BFSI, Construction, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, and IT & ITES.

The roundtable delved into critical issues surrounding the state of skill development for youth in the retail sector, evaluating the existing training programs, identifying gaps, and exploring future directions for enhancing skill acquisition. The overarching goal of the conference was to align the skill training initiatives run by the government with the dynamic needs of industries, ensuring that the youth are equipped with relevant skills that make them industry-ready.

Key Highlights of the Conference

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Prof. Devi Prasad Juvvadi, Director of the Centre for Good Governance, who set the tone for the discussions. The keynote address was delivered by Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana’s Department of Labour, Employment, Training, and Factories. Mr. Sanjay emphasized the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the skill ecosystem, particularly by revamping Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and increasing the involvement of private sector players in managing these institutions.

Mr.Subramanian, Head of Industry Engagement at the Retail Association’s Sector Council of India (RASCI), and Mr.Krishna Prasad Cheruku, a representative from the Retail Association of India (RIA) & Vice President of Cellbay Mobiles & Electronics Pvt. Ltd., served as guests of honour. Their speeches shed light on the retail industry’s expectations for skill development and highlighted the importance of aligning training programs with industry requirements.

The conference also featured comprehensive presentations from DET officials, offering insights into Telangana’s skill development ecosystem, along with an overview of Telangana Overseas Manpower Company (TOMCOM) and government schemes like the Kshamatha scheme, designed to enhance skill development and training for youth in India.

Panel Discussions: Addressing Industry Challenges

The roundtable included thought-provoking panel discussions on critical topics, such as:

• Industry Expectations & Skill Gaps: This discussion focused on identifying the specific skills required in the retail sector and the current shortfall in training programs.
• Industry-Government Collaboration: Experts explored the need for closer collaboration between the government and the private sector to meet skill development needs.
• Roadmap for Sustainable Industry-Government Collaboration in Skill Development: This session outlined strategies for long-term partnerships between the government and industry players to ensure continuous skill enhancement.

Industry Experts Share Insights

The conference attracted senior management representatives from major retail brands such as Ratnadeep, Cream Stone Concepts, More Retail Ltd., Zepto, Skandhanshi Retail, MedPlus Pharma, and many others. Additionally, representatives from RAI and RASCI added valuable perspectives, discussing the future of the retail sector and the role of skill development in its growth.

The roundtable provided a unique platform for dialogue between the government and industry experts, aiming to craft strategies for effective training, re-training, and entrepreneurship development. It underscored the need for a holistic approach to skill development that not only focuses on technical skills but also includes soft skills, business acumen, and leadership development for the retail workforce.

Looking Ahead: A Path Toward Sustainable Skill Development

This Industrial Roundtable is part of a broader effort to establish a series of sector-specific dialogues. Following the event, Sectoral Committees will be formed, comprising members from industry, government departments, and other disciplines, ensuring that the initiatives are continuously updated to meet the evolving demands of the retail sector.

With a focus on creating a skilled workforce that can meet the growing needs of industries like retail, Telangana is setting the stage for a future where the youth are not only employable but also equipped to drive innovation and growth in key sectors of the economy.