PM-NAPS drive launched at ITI Kohima to boost skills training

DIMAPUR — An awareness and registration drive on the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) was conducted at Government Industrial Training Institute, Kohima, on Friday.

Director of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Savio Visa, in his welcome address, said that the programme marks an important milestone in strengthening the skill ecosystem of Nagaland, a DIPR report stated.

The director noted that the state has a talented and motivated youth population, but continues to face a gap between formal training and real-world industry experience.

Visa stressed that apprenticeship helps bridge this gap by taking learning beyond the classroom and into the workplace, where skills are refined and aligned with industry needs.

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He highlighted that under PM-NAPS, the Government of India has introduced a strong framework to encourage industries to engage apprentices, offering financial incentives, flexibility, and digital support through the PM-NAP portal.

For a state like Nagaland, where industry exposure is growing but still limited, he said the scheme provides an important opportunity to equip youth for meaningful employment while supporting local industries with trained manpower.

Describing apprenticeship as an investment in the future workforce, Visa emphasised that building a strong apprenticeship culture in Nagaland will help create a generation of confident, skilled and employable youth.

He encouraged the establishments present to participate actively, noting that the success of NAPS depends on the involvement of industries and service sectors - whether small enterprises, growing businesses or large institutions.

The director informed that the session features presentations, hands-on registration on the PM-NAP portal, and networking interactions with sector skill councils and third-party aggregators, all aimed at providing clarity and support to stakeholders.

He encouraged participants to utilise the platform effectively by asking questions, sharing challenges, and exploring new opportunities.

Further, he acknowledged the presence of officials from the Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, resource persons from the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), members of the Sector Skill Councils, young trainees, and participating establishments.

The programme also included a presentation on PM-NAPS by Assistant Project Officer Menguzelie, followed by a discussion with the resource persons and interaction with the participants. The event concluded with a vote of thanks offered by the Principal of Government ITI Kohima, Enchiba Longkumer.