What happened under NAPS-2 (MSDE action and key design features)

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) expanded apprenticeship training under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). NAPS began in August 2016 and has continued as NAPS-2 since 2022-23. Apprenticeship training is conducted in actual work environments using the training facilities available with participating establishments. Apprenticeship training is delivered through participating establishments under the provisions of the Apprentices Act, 1961.

NAPS-2 uses the National Apprenticeship Portal (www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) and implementation support through Regional Directorates of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (RDSDEs), State Apprenticeship Advisers (SAAs), and empanelled Third Party Aggregators (TPAs).

What happened on stipend support and delivery (DBT model)

Under NAPS-2, MSDE provides government stipend support to eligible apprentices through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with DBT credit into apprentices’ bank accounts via the National Apprenticeship Portal. MSDE’s government share is limited to 25% of the stipend paid by the establishment, subject to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice during the apprenticeship training period. DBT-based government stipend support under NAPS-2 commenced from July 2023.

Background and earlier position: apprenticeship regulation and trade design

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