The Centre has expanded its Special Intervention for Promotion of Apprenticeship in the North-Eastern Region (NER) under the Prime Minister’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) for FY 2026–27, allocating ₹57.58 crore to strengthen workforce development and create 30,000 apprenticeship opportunities across the region.
The initiative, to be implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, marks a nearly 15 per cent increase in the apprenticeship target over the pilot phase launched in May 2025. Of the total target, 15,000 apprentices will be placed outside the North East, including in Central government departments and public sector undertakings, while another 15,000 will receive opportunities within the region, including in their domicile states.
The expanded intervention also widens the coverage of an additional financial incentive of ₹1,500 per month, over and above the support available under PM-NAPS, by extending the benefit to apprentices undertaking training within their home states. Alongside financial support, the programme will focus on employer engagement, awareness campaigns, workshops and partnerships with educational institutions to deepen industry participation.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship JayantChaudhary said the initiative would strengthen local skill ecosystems, enhance industry participation and equip the region’s youth with industry-relevant workplace experience across India.
The decision follows the strong performance of the pilot programme, which facilitated 23,470 apprentices against a target of 26,000, achieving over 90 per cent of its goal. Apprenticeship engagement in the North East grew 51 per cent year-on-year, with Meghalaya recording the highest growth of 95 per cent. The programme also reported higher participation by women, government establishments and private sector employers.
