MSDE Extends PM-NAPS Apprenticeship Initiative In Northeast With Rs 57.58 Crore Outlay

New Delhi, Jul 18 (KNN) The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has extended 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, with an outlay of Rs 57.58 crore.

The initiative, to be implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities, strengthen industry participation and improve youth employability across the eight northeastern states.

Target Increased To 30,000 Apprentices
Building on the pilot programme launched in May 2025, the ministry has increased the target to 30,000 apprentices, around 15 percent higher than the previous phase.

Of the total, 15,000 apprentices will be supported for opportunities outside the Northeast, including in government departments and public sector undertakings (PSUs), while the remaining 15,000 will be placed within the region, including in their home states.

Additional Financial Support Expanded
Under the extended initiative, apprentices will continue to receive an additional Rs 1,500 per month over and above the financial assistance available under PM-NAPS.

Unlike the pilot phase, which primarily supported apprentices moving outside their domicile state, the revised scheme also extended the additional incentive to apprentices undertaking training within their home states in the Northeast.

The ministry said the programme will also focus on strengthening the apprenticeship ecosystem through awareness campaigns, employer engagement programmes, workshops and collaboration with educational institutions and industry.

Pilot Scheme Achieved Over 90 percent Target
According to the ministry, the pilot programme facilitated apprenticeship opportunities for 23,470 candidates against a target of 26,000, achieving more than 90 percent of its objective.

Apprenticeship engagement in the region increased by 51 percent, rising from 15,562 in FY 2024-25 to 23,470 in FY 2025-26.

Of the total apprentices engaged under the pilot, 13,673 secured opportunities outside their domicile states, while 9,797 were placed within the Northeast.

Women And Government Establishments See Higher Participation
The ministry said Meghalaya recorded the highest increase in apprenticeship participation at 95 percent during the pilot phase.

Female participation also rose significantly, while apprenticeship engagement through government establishments doubled. Private sector participation likewise registered substantial growth.

MSDE said the expanded intervention is aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, enhancing industry-relevant skills and supporting inclusive economic growth in the Northeast under the Skill India Mission.

(KNN Bureau)