The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship provided a comprehensive update on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS-2), detailing financial disbursements and policy initiatives aimed at promoting industry-aligned skill development across India.
Scheme Overview and Financial Support
The Government of India launched NAPS in August 2016, with NAPS-2 continuing since 2022-23. Under NAPS-2, the government provides stipend support to eligible apprentices through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), covering 25% of the stipend paid by establishments subject to a maximum of ₹1,500 per month per apprentice. The total disbursement under this scheme from FY2023-24 to FY2026-27 amounts to ₹1,573.46 crore across all states and union territories.
State-wise Stipend Disbursement Breakdown
Maharashtra received the highest disbursement at ₹361.24 crore, followed by Uttar Pradesh (₹227.75 crore), Tamil Nadu (₹181.44 crore), Karnataka (₹98.78 crore), and Gujarat (₹80.49 crore). Other significant allocations include Bihar (₹75.84 crore), West Bengal (₹68.31 crore), Madhya Pradesh (₹64.74 crore), and Andhra Pradesh (₹59.21 crore). Smaller states and UTs received comparatively lower amounts, with Ladakh receiving only ₹0.01 crore and Lakshadweep ₹0.02 crore. DBT-based stipend support under NAPS-2 commenced from July 2023.
Policy Initiatives and Implementation Framework
The apprenticeship training is conducted in actual work environments using training facilities available with participating establishments, including technology companies. The scheme is implemented through the National Apprenticeship Portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) with support from Regional Directorates of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (RDSDEs), State Apprenticeship Advisers (SAAs), and empanelled Third Party Aggregators (TPAs).
Key initiatives include the establishment of NCVET as an overarching regulator, 36 Sector Skill Councils led by industry leaders, and the Flexi MoU Scheme and Dual System of Training implemented by DGT. The scheme has incorporated new-age skills aligned with Industry 4.0 requirements including AI/ML, Robotics, Mechatronics, and Drone Technology through PMKVY and CTS courses.
Industry Collaboration and Education Integration
DGT has signed MoUs with IT tech companies including IBM, CISCO, Microsoft, and AWS to ensure industry linkages at state and regional levels. The Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP), developed with UGC and AICTE, enables students to undertake apprenticeship training as part of their degree and diploma curricula. The National Education Policy 2020 envisages greater integration of vocational education with mainstream education.
Women Participation and Safety Provisions
The share of women apprentices has increased substantially from 7.74% in FY2016-17 to 24.95% in FY2025-26. The government organizes Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs) in one-third of districts each month with focus on mobilizing women candidates. Apprentices are covered under workplace safety provisions of the Factories Act 1948, Mines Act 1952, and the POSH Act 2013. Working hours are regulated under Section 15 of the Apprentices Act 1961, with restrictions for apprentices below 18 years (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM).
Sector Coverage and Expansion
The scheme encourages apprenticeship engagement across diverse sectors including manufacturing, engineering, logistics, agriculture and allied activities, food processing, retail, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, IT-ITeS, electronics, and other service sectors. The 2014 amendment to the Apprentices Act introduced Optional Trades, allowing industries to design customized apprenticeship programs.