Union Minister, Mizo CM launch Rs 44 cr apprenticeship push for Northeast youth, women at the forefront

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 20, 2025

In a bold step toward empowering the youth of the Northeast, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Tuesday launched the Northeast Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme, a region-specific skilling initiative designed to boost employment, industry exposure, and gender inclusion. The launch took place in Aizawl and was jointly officiated by Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma.

This high-impact pilot, backed by Rs 43.94 crore, will support over 26,000 youth with an additional Rs 1,500 monthly stipend for one year—on top of the benefits provided under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). Crucially, the extra financial support will be available to Northeastern apprentices training anywhere in India, ensuring mobility isn’t a hurdle to opportunity.

Minister Chaudhary described the pilot as a “defining moment” that offers structured, paid, and meaningful industry engagement for young people. “This isn’t just a training path—it’s a bridge to real jobs,” he said. He also underscored the strong role of women in the initiative, calling the Northeast a “beacon of gender-responsive skilling” due to its high female participation in NAPS programs.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma hailed the collaboration with the Centre as a gateway to economic dignity for the region’s youth. “With financial backing, quality training, and strong industry links, this program empowers young citizens to find their place in India’s evolving economic map,” he said.

As part of the launch, an MoU was exchanged between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Welspun Living Limited to operationalise an apprenticeship-linked skilling pilot in the textile sector. The program will train 1,000 youth, at least half of them women, using a blended model of classroom (120 hours) and on-the-job training (210 hours) at Welspun’s Gujarat-based facilities.

Welspun will handle curriculum design, training delivery, and guaranteed placement for successful trainees. NSDC will manage mobilization, pre-screening, and funding support via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). Graduates will earn joint certification from NSDC and Welspun, significantly enhancing their employability.

The pilot builds on the success of NAPS, which since 2016 has enabled over 42 lakh apprenticeship placements. More than Rs 870 crore has been disbursed directly to apprentices via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) since 2022, and over 35,000 establishments have participated through 5,000+ Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs).

The event also spotlighted the newly approved National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, with a budget of Rs 60,000 crore to modernise 1,000 government ITIs. The hub-and-spoke model aims to align ITI training with industry demand, and the Northeast is positioned to benefit significantly by upgrading infrastructure and forging state–industry collaborations.

The pilot scheme will be executed by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, in collaboration with NSDC, State Skill Missions, and Regional Directorates (RDSDEs).

Senior dignitaries present at the event included Lalnghinglova Hmar (Minister of State, Mizoram), K. Sapdanga (Mizoram Home Minister), Maotoshi Longkumer (Adviser, Nagaland), G. Madhumita Das (Additional Secretary, MSDE), and Shreeshail Malge (Joint Secretary, MSDE).

This region-specific apprenticeship initiative marks a scalable model for inclusive, industry-aligned, and mobile skilling, reinforcing India’s commitment to a Viksit Northeast under the Ashta Lakshmi vision.