The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has reported fresh data on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, a central apprenticeship-support programme that aims to expand industry-linked training and improve employability. The update is relevant because it connects a statutory labour-training framework, stipend support through Direct Benefit Transfer, and sector-wise apprenticeship expansion across the country.
What the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme does
The Government of India launched the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme in August 2016. Since 2022-23, the scheme has continued as NAPS-2 and has been implemented across the country, including Andhra Pradesh.
Under the scheme, the government provides partial stipend support to apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The support is limited to 25% of the stipend paid, capped at Rs. 1,500 per month per apprentice, and is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the apprentice’s bank account during the training period.
The release also says the scheme supports capacity building of the apprenticeship ecosystem, advocacy for stakeholders, and greater enrolment of apprentices in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Background and earlier position
Related current affairs
- Salient Features of NAPS-2: National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2)
- Industry-aligned apprenticeship training under NAPS-2 and measures to expand participation (including women)
- Industry-Aligned Skill Development and Apprenticeship Promotion (NAPS-2, DBT stipend, women participation)
- MSDE convenes ‘Kaushal Manthan’ Regional Conference of Skill Ministers in Kolkata
- U.P. CM rolls out integrated policy for State’s youth
- Youth can become a burden without jobs, skills: Bhagwat