Salient Features of Naps-2

Key Highlights:

• The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), launched in August 2016, continues as NAPS-2 since 2022-23 to promote apprenticeship training.
• Government provides partial stipend support to apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961, disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Minimum stipend rates were revised and notified on 11.09.2025, linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• NAPS-2 features include industry-led training, a dedicated online portal (www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in), and facilitation through Third-Party Aggregators (TPAs).
• Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs) are organized monthly, with 7,370 melas conducted across the country since June 2022.
• A total of 52,98,397 apprentices have been engaged from FY 2018-19 till FY 2026-27, with 57,945 establishments (including 38,936 MSMEs) registered.
• An evaluation by the Arun Jaitley National Institute of Financial Management (AJNIFM) indicated that around 72% of apprentices secured full-time employment after training.

Detailed Insights:

• The scheme's objective is to increase apprentice engagement and provide practical, hands-on learning in real work environments.
• DBT ensures transparency and timely disbursement of the government's share of the stipend directly to apprentices' bank accounts.
• The revision of stipend rates addresses the increasing cost of living, making apprenticeship more attractive and sustainable for participants.
• The online portal facilitates end-to-end implementation of apprenticeship training, covering registration, contract approval, monitoring, and benefit disbursement.
• TPAs are crucial for mobilizing both apprentices and establishments, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), to participate in the scheme.
• PMNAMs are designed to create widespread awareness and facilitate the connection between aspiring apprentices and potential employers across various districts.
• The high employment outcome (72%) validates the scheme's effectiveness in providing a direct pathway from training to gainful employment and improving income levels.
• In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP) integrates apprenticeship training into higher education curricula.
• The scheme actively promotes apprenticeship opportunities in emerging and high-growth sectors such as IT, biotechnology, renewable energy, and semiconductors.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): A government initiative to promote apprenticeship training and increase the engagement of apprentices in India.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): A mechanism to transfer subsidies and benefits directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts, ensuring transparency and reducing leakages.
• Apprentices Act, 1961: The primary legislation governing apprenticeship training in India, setting rules for engagement, training, and stipends.
• Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM): Monthly events organized across India to connect aspiring apprentices with potential employers.
• National Education Policy (NEP), 2020: A comprehensive framework for education in India, emphasizing vocational education integration and skill development.
• Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programme (AEDP): A program integrating apprenticeship training into higher education degrees and diplomas, enhancing employability.