NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROMOTION SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Economy)

Context: To bolster the participation of both industries and young individuals in apprenticeship training on a nationwide scale,, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). 

• An amount of approx Rs 15 crores was disbursed to one lakh apprentices by the Minister today marking the launch of DBT in NAPS.

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme 

• About: NAPS was launched in August 2016 by Government of India to promote the Apprenticeship in the country by providing financial incentives, technology and advocacy support.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

• Components: The scheme has the following two components:

• Sharing of 25% of prescribed stipend subject to a maximum of Rs. 1500/- per month per apprentice with the employers.

• Sharing of basic training cost up to a maximum of Rs. 7,500 per apprentice.

• Implementing Agencies: The Regional Directorates of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDESE) under Directorate General of Training (DGT) are the implementing agencies in their regions in respect of all “Designated Trades” under the Act for all establishments falling under the Central Government jurisdiction.

• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and CEOs of the Sector Skill Councils are the implementing agencies in their sectors in respect of “Optional Trades” for the establishment under the Central Government jurisdiction.

• Key Features:

• Wider option for the apprentices-integration with other schemes
• Ease of Administering through technology
• Involvement of States/UTs
• Promoter and Facilitators/Third Party Aggregators (TPA)