National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

The Union Government has notified National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) for providing apprenticeship training to over 50 lakh youngsters in order to create more jobs. The Scheme has an outlay of 10,000 crore rupees with a target of 50 Lakh apprentices to be trained by 2019-20. It is first of its kind scheme notified to offer financial incentives to employers.

Key Feature of Scheme

• NAPS will be implemented by Director General of Training (DGT) under the aegis of Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Under it, Central Government for the first time will provide financial incentives to the employers to engage apprentices.
• Central Government will also directly share 25% of the total stipend (maximum of 1,500 rupees per month per apprentice) payable to an apprentice with employers.
• In addition, it will support basic training which is considered an essential component of apprenticeship training.
• The Central Government will bear the 50% of the total expenditure incurred on providing basic training to an apprentice.
• All transactions including registration by employers, apprentices, registration of contract and payment to employers will be made in online mode.

Comment

Apprenticeship Training is considered to be one of the most efficient ways to develop skilled manpower. It provides for an industry led, practice oriented, effective and efficient mode of formal training. NAPS seek to catalyze the entire apprenticeship ecosystem in the country. It is expected to become one of the most powerful skill-delivery vehicle in the country and will offer a win-win situation for all stakeholders.