Telangana Renames Labour Department to SHAKTI and Restructures Skills University
The Telangana state government has officially renamed the labour, employment, training and factories department to the department of Skill Human Capital and Knowledge Training Initiatives (SHAKTI). According to orders issued by the general administration department in Hyderabad on June 16, the government has also placed the Young India Skills University (YISU) under the purview of this newly rechristened department.
The change of name, issued under GO Ms. No. 97, was formally attributed to "administrative exigencies." However, the transition to the acronym SHAKTI, which stands for empowerment, reflects a broader shift in the state government's policy priorities.
For years, the department was primarily known for the enforcement of labour rules and the routine inspection of factories. With this reorganization, the state government is shifting the department’s focus toward active employment generation, the skilling of youth, and the development of human capital. The government has previously stated that these initiatives are a major priority.
The administrative restructuring also signals a significant reorientation of the department's traditional roles. Under the new orders, the Young India Skills University, which was previously positioned under the industries and commerce department, will now function directly under the SHAKTI department's umbrella.
In addition to this transfer, the state government has integrated several educational and training institutions under the university. All Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Advanced Technology Centres across Telangana will now stand integrated under the direct institutional umbrella of YISU. Polytechnic colleges throughout the state will also be incorporated into the YISU ecosystem.
Despite these significant administrative changes to YISU and its broader ecosystem, the state government has clarified that students will not face disruptions in the immediate future. The ongoing admission processes for both the polytechnic colleges and YISU for the 2026-27 academic year will not be affected by this restructuring.
