The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has strengthened India’s apprenticeship ecosystem, engaging over 41.2 lakh apprentices under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). At a Zonal Review Meeting held at the World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar, stakeholders from 18 states and Union Territories strategized on achieving the target of 46 lakh apprentices by March 2026.
MSDE Secretary Atul Kumar Tiwari emphasized the scheme’s role in workforce development, stating, “NAPS is a transformative initiative, equipping youth with industry-relevant skills. With advancements in AI and electric vehicles, we are ensuring a future-ready workforce while fostering inclusivity.” The meeting featured industry leaders like Toyota Kirloskar, Tata Group, and Bharat Electronics Limited. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana led in apprenticeship participation in the South, while West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha dominated in the East. MSMEs, now comprising 38% of active establishments under NAPS, remain a crucial growth driver.
Guwahati’s growing industrial and service sectors stand to benefit from the increased apprenticeship push. With MSMEs forming a significant part of its economy, skill development initiatives will create a steady pipeline of trained professionals, particularly in logistics, IT, and manufacturing. The financial inclusion aspect, with ₹1,550 crore disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer, ensures transparency and efficiency in stipend payments, attracting more youth to the program.
With over 4,988 job fairs and 219 awareness workshops conducted, NAPS-2 continues to drive India’s ambition of a globally competitive workforce, fostering economic growth and industry collaboration.
