Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched a pilot apprenticeship initiative for youth in the North East region in Aizawl, aimed at providing structured, paid, and high-quality apprenticeship opportunities. The scheme aligns with vision of Ashta Lakshmi, Viksit Bharat, and Viksit North East.
Background Context
Since 2016, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has:
- Facilitated 42+ lakh apprenticeship engagements.
- Disbursed ₹870 crore directly to apprentices via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) (since 2022).
- Engaged 35,000+ establishments through 5,000+ PM National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs).
Aim: This pilot aims to localize and scale apprenticeship opportunities based on regional industry demand and mobility challenges.
Key Features of Pilot Scheme
| Feature | Description |
| Implementing Agencies | Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) |
| Supporting Partners | State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (RDSDEs), local institutions |
| Budget Allocation | ₹43.94 crore (includes ₹4 crore for outreach, capacity building, implementation) |
| Beneficiaries | ~26,000 youth from Northeast India |
| Stipend | Additional ₹1,500/month for 1 year, over and above the existing ₹1,500/month under NAPS |
| Objective | Address mobility challenges, enhance industry exposure, promote employability, ensure inter-state mobility |
| Special Focus | Higher female participation observed in NE region’s NAPS data |
Strategic Importance
- Provides real industry exposure to youth from Northeast India.
- Bridges gap between training and employment.
- Acts as a transparent mechanism for industries to engage with skilled youth.
- Supports regional development, skilling, and empowerment of marginalised communities.
Industry Partnership: NSDC & Welspun MoU
| Feature | Details |
| Partnership Objective | Apprenticeship-linked skilling in the textile sector |
| Training Model | Blended learning – 120 hrs classroom + 210 hrs on-the-job training (OJT) |
| Training Locations | Welspun facilities at Anjar and Vapi, Gujarat |
| Beneficiaries | 1,000 youth to be trained in one year |
| Focus | Inclusive training- 50% women participation |
| Roles Offered | Operator-level job roles in textile industry |
| Support from NSDC | Mobilisation, pre-screening, Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) onboarding, classroom funding |
| Outcome | Guaranteed captive placement and joint NSDC-Welspun certification |