The Gem & Jewellery Skill Council of India (GJSCI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) to implement skill training programmes.

The collaboration will encompass Short-Term Training programs, upskilling modules, and Recognition of Prior Learning assessments, designed to enhance talent development in the gems and jewellery sector. Through these structured interventions, the partnership aims to equip youth and existing workers and artisans with industry-relevant competencies, expand employment opportunities, and also focus on women’s empowerment by working with SHG members.

The MoU was formally exchanged in Visakhapatnam on 14 November 2025. G. Ganesh Kumar, IAS, Managing Director & CEO, APSSDC, and Rajeev Garg, Executive Director & CEO, GJSCI, represented their respective organisations during the ceremony. The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to promoting high-quality skill development, enhancing the state’s skill ecosystem, and supporting economic growth through specialised training and skill upgradation initiatives.

Andhra Pradesh has a long tradition of both gold jewellery and imitation jewellery manufacturing and retail. Districts like Mangalagiri have an old gold jewellery cluster, and the present Government is working towards establishing a jewellery park there.