The Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), chaired by Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary, has proposed a 36% increase in stipends under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). The move raises the stipend range from ₹5,000–₹9,000 to ₹6,800–₹12,300, with future revisions linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), aligning with the July salary increment cycle.
Held at VigyanBhawan, the 38th CAC meeting emphasized reforms including degree apprenticeships, virtual training options, and broader coverage under NIC 2008 to include IT, biotech, and renewable energy. Provisions for persons with benchmark disabilities and regional cost-based stipend differentiation were also proposed.
In Guwahati, a growing industrial and educational center, stakeholders see the proposal as a catalyst for attracting apprentices into MSMEs and skill-focused institutes. The region is poised to benefit from digital training flexibility and increased employer participation, which could help bridge the gap between education and employment. The council also released a comprehensive data report by KPMG on NAPS performance. With over 43.47 lakh apprentices trained under PM-NAPS to date, the proposals aim to scale skilling efforts and align with India’s ‘Kushal Bharat, Viksit Bharat’ vision.
