PROGRESS OF THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP PROMOTION SCHEME (NAPS)

**Executive Summary** The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) aims to enhance apprenticeship training nationwide. Currently in its second phase (NAPS-2) since FY 2022-23, the scheme provides partial stipend support to apprentices. NAPS-2 is governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, and its associated rules. The document presents data on apprentices engaged and specifically highlights the increasing participation of women in the program over the last five financial years. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Scheme Objective and Implementation:** * The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is designed to promote apprenticeship training across India. * The scheme is currently in its second phase, NAPS-2, which commenced in the financial year 2022-23. * **Stipend Support (NAPS-2):** * The Government provides partial stipend support to apprentices. * This support is limited to 25% of the minimum prescribed stipend. * The maximum stipend support per apprentice per month is ₹1,500. * Stipend support is disbursed directly to apprentices' bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. * **Governance:** * The scheme is governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, and the rules formulated under it. * **Apprentices Engaged (Overall):** * **2020-21:** 3.08 lakh apprentices * **2021-22:** 5.90 lakh apprentices * **2022-23:** 7.39 lakh apprentices * **2023-24:** 9.32 lakh apprentices * **2024-25:** 9.85 lakh apprentices * **Program Evaluation and Outcomes:** * A Third-Party Evaluation of NAPS-2.0 by AJNIFM indicated that approximately 72% of surveyed apprentices received full-time employment offers post-apprenticeship. * Apprenticeship training is shown to facilitate a transition to employment. * Industry is increasingly utilizing apprenticeships as a pipeline for future workforce needs. * **Gender Inclusion (Women Apprentices):** * The government is actively promoting women's participation in NAPS. * The number of women apprentices has seen a gradual increase. * **2020-21:** 0.56 lakh women apprentices * **2021-22:** 1.24 lakh women apprentices * **2022-23:** 1.49 lakh women apprentices * **2023-24:** 1.97 lakh women apprentices * **2024-25:** 2.25 lakh women apprentices * **Source of Information:** * This information was provided by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. **Impact Analysis** * **Apprentices** * **Impact:** Eligible apprentices receive partial stipend support, directly disbursed to their bank accounts, and benefit from training that facilitates future employment opportunities. * **Action Required:** Apprentices need to meet the eligibility criteria and participate in approved apprenticeship programs. * **Industry/Employers** * **Impact:** Employers can leverage NAPS to access a pipeline of skilled future workforce, with government support for stipend costs, contributing to their business needs. * **Action Required:** Employers must register for the NAPS scheme, offer apprenticeship training, and comply with the Apprentices Act, 1961, and NAPS guidelines. * **Government (Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship - MSDE)** * **Impact:** The Ministry is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and disbursement of the scheme, aiming to achieve national skill development and employment generation goals. * **Action Required:** Continue to implement, monitor, and evaluate the NAPS scheme, ensuring efficient stipend disbursement and promoting participation. * **General Public/Nation** * **Impact:** The scheme contributes to enhancing the skill base of the nation, improving employability, and promoting economic growth through a trained workforce. * **Action Required:** No specific direct action required by the general public based on this document.

Key Entities Referenced