Dharmendra Pradhan launches DBT in NAPS to strengthen apprenticeship ecosystem in India

A Chintan Shivir on “Enhancing Apprenticeship Engagement” organized to elevate the uptake of apprenticeship programs among all stakeholders.

To bolster the participation of both industries and young individuals in apprenticeship training on a nationwide scale, Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). An amount of approx INR 15 crores was disbursed to one lakh apprentices by the Minister marking the launch of DBT in NAPS.

A total of 25 lakh youth have been engaged as apprentices since the inception of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme in 2016, till July 31, 2023. Around 2.6 lakh Apprentices have completed training in FY 23-24.

The Government of India’s proactive efforts to promote quality training across sectors led to the number of active establishments subsequently increasing from 6,755 in 2018-19 to 40,655 in 2023-24.

Lauding the initiative, Dharmendra Pradhan said, “Launch of DBT in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme is a big step towards fulfilling our Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making skilling an apprenticeship aspirational as well as encouraging earning while learning as envisioned in NEP. He congratulated all the 1 lakh apprentices who have received stipend through DBT today.”

Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said that empowering our nation's youth with skills is at the heart of our vision, and the introduction of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) through NAPS marks a stride towards transparency and efficiency. A skilled workforce is paramount, and our multifaceted strategy, encompassing policy evolution, industry synergies, and heightened recognition. In harmony with India's core values of inclusivity and diversity, today's Chintan Shivir on Apprenticeship underscores a crucial mission. Together, we forge ahead to craft a future where every individual's potential finds its truest expression, he added.

Dharmendra Pradhan interacted with some of the vibrant industry clusters and enthusiastic apprentices across Maharashtra, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh. There has been more 488% increase in the number of establishments that have started apprenticeship training since the commencement of NAPS. This increased adoption of apprenticeship training will strengthen our nation's workforce and economy. Some of them were Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA), Baddi Cluster from Himachal Pradesh and North Malabar Consortium Industry cluster.

The MSDE also organized the Chintan Shivir on “Enhancing Apprenticeship Engagement” to elevate the uptake of apprenticeship programs among all stakeholders. A core facet of this session is to amplify the role and responsibility of various entities, including other central and state governments, industry bodies, and the private sector.

The Chintan Shivir was divided into three breakout sessions themed on Stakeholder Convergences to Make Apprenticeship Aspirational, Strategies and Practices to promote Quality Apprenticeship, and Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Apprenticeship Ecosystem, respectively.

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