- NEW DELHI — In a key move to make apprenticeship more rewarding and
aspirational for youth, the government on Monday recommended a 30 per cent
increase in stipend provided under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
(NAPS) and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS).
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- The 38th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council
(CAC), chaired by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge),
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), recommended the
increase in stipend.
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- The recommendation, which would revise the stipend range
from the existing INR 5,000–INR 9,000 to INR 6,800–Rs 12,300, aims to reduce
dropout rates and attract more candidates across diverse sectors.
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- Stipend revision was a key focus during the discussion,
which is proposed to be automatically adjusted biennially based on changes in
the Consumer Price Index (CPI), aligning with the salary increment cycle in
July. The proposal will now be sent to the Cabinet for final approval.
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- “Apprenticeship is not just a skilling mechanism, it is a
bridge that connects education, industry, and employment, especially for our
rural youth. With NAPS and NATS as pillars supported by a strong legal
framework, we are actively reforming the system to make it more inclusive,
responsive, and aspirational,” said Chaudhary.
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- The introduction of micro-apprenticeships, optional
trades, and greater autonomy to higher education institutions under NATS are
part of our strategy to scale and deepen impact.
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- “Inclusivity is at the core of these programmes, and we
have introduced key reforms to strengthen it. Our vision is to ensure every
young person, regardless of background, gets a fair shot at a meaningful career
through hands-on learning and industry exposure,” the minister informed.
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