Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to establish co-working spaces and neighbourhood work hubs in small towns and villages to create employment opportunities for women. Emphasising the benefits of flexible work options, Naidu highlighted how these initiatives could utilise the skills of educated women, many of whom cannot work due to family responsibilities.

“Work-from-home and co-working centres will offer extensive opportunities to such women. They can earn a livelihood online if their skills are utilised by providing them flexible job opportunities,” Naidu stated. He added that increased employment for women would boost economic activity and enhance the consumption power of families, ultimately contributing to the state’s economic growth.

Co-Working Expansion Plans

The state government aims to provide 150,000 seats in co-working spaces by December 2025. Officials reported that 2.2 million square feet of space in government and private buildings have already been identified to support these centres. Each seat is expected to require 50-60 square feet of space, with the facilities designed to accommodate diverse needs and offer flexibility to workers.

These co-working spaces will target individuals in small towns and villages, enabling women to participate in the workforce without needing to relocate. The move is critical to reducing urban migration and supporting rural economies.

Innovation Hubs and Skill Development

In addition to co-working initiatives, Naidu instructed officials to expedite the development of Ratan Tata Innovation Hubs. These hubs will link industries and educational institutions, providing training and skill upgradation to align workers with modern job market demands. “Identify suitable buildings in five locations for the innovation hubs. Industries and educational institutions in the respective areas should be linked for required training and skill upgradation,” Naidu urged.

The state is also gathering data on the current number of work-from-home professionals and their requirements to better tailor the co-working and innovation hubs to meet their needs.

Economic and Social Impact

Establishing co-working spaces in small towns is expected to have far-reaching social and economic benefits. By enabling women to work flexibly and earn from their homes or nearby hubs, the initiative will address long-standing issues of gender inequality in employment. Additionally, increased family income will stimulate local economies, creating a ripple effect of growth and prosperity.

As the state progresses toward its ambitious goal of transforming rural areas into hubs of economic activity, these co-working spaces and innovation hubs represent a visionary approach to balancing modernisation with inclusivity. Naidu’s focus on leveraging the skills of women and supporting small-town professionals is poised to drive significant change in the state’s employment landscape.