Hyderabad: Amid widespread layoffs in US-based IT companies and the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on employment, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has advised the youth to shift their focus from IT and computer science jobs to skilled blue-collar professions that are in high demand globally.
CM's Advice to Youth
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Thursday, Revanth Reddy said, “The US is a consumer economy, and manufacturing of various US brands is being done in countries like China, Taiwan, or Telangana. Don’t go after white-collar and IT jobs; shift your focus to blue-collar jobs.” He highlighted that lakhs of Indians, including thousands from Telangana who studied computer science and IT in the 2000s and are working in the US, now face job threats due to AI evolution. The CM expressed confidence that AI cannot replace a skilled worker.
Skilled Jobs vs IT Jobs
Revanth Reddy noted that the Telangana government is also shifting focus to creating and training youth for skilled jobs. “IT-based jobs may offer ₹1 lakh a month, but a skilled employee will get ₹2 lakh a month, that too with job security,” he said. The Skills University is introducing courses and training programs to help youth take up skilled employment.
Global Demand for Skilled Workers
The CM pointed out that countries like Japan, South Korea, Germany, Singapore, and China are seeking skilled individuals. “These countries are not Anglophone, but are ruling the world now with innovations and technology,” he added.
Policy for Gulf Employment
Revanth Reddy announced that the state government will formulate a policy to provide employment opportunities in Gulf countries, where there is huge demand for skilled workers. “The government will assist job aspirants from getting passports to training in various skills at the Skills University. This will end exploitation by agents. Since we deal with the government of that country, workers will get minimum wages, job security, and insurance cover in emergencies,” he stated.
Minimum Wages Revised
The CM also announced a revision of minimum wages effective from June 1. The minimum wage will range from ₹16,000 to ₹20,000 per month, benefiting 1.11 crore workers in private and public sectors. Workers are divided into four categories: unskilled, semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled. Among the 1.11 crore workers, 75 lakh are unskilled and 21 lakh are semi-skilled.
Revised Wage Structure
- Unskilled workers: From ₹12,750 to ₹16,000 per month
- Semi-skilled workers: From ₹13,152 to ₹17,000 per month
- Skilled workers: From ₹13,772 to ₹18,500 per month
- Highly skilled workers: From ₹14,607 to ₹20,000 per month
The areas of application have also been revised from two zones (urban and rural) to three: municipal corporation limits, municipalities, and rural areas.
Labour Minister G Vivek Venkata Swamy said the revision fulfills a promise made to the public, alleging that the previous BRS government did not increase salaries during its 10-year rule.
