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 expand structured skill development programmes across the state. The collaboration aims to deliver Short-Term Training (STT) courses, upskilling modules, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessments tailored specifically for the gems and jewellery industry.

The MoU was exchanged in Visakhapatnam on 14 November 2025 between G. Ganesh Kumar of APSSDC, and Rajeev Garg of GJSCI. The partnership underscores a joint commitment to strengthening the state’s skill ecosystem, empowering artisans and workers, and building a future-ready talent pool for the jewellery manufacturing and retail sectors.

Under this initiative, GJSCI and APSSDC will train youth, existing workers, and artisans to meet contemporary industry standards, with a special focus on women’s empowerment through engagement with Self-Help Group (SHG) members. The programmes aim to enhance employability, support cluster development, and enable industry-aligned competencies across traditional and emerging job roles.

Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich legacy in gold and imitation jewellery — particularly clusters such as Mangalagiri — continues to attract investment and skill initiatives. The present government’s efforts towards establishing a dedicated jewellery park in Mangalagiri further strengthen the region’s positioning as a key manufacturing hub.