PM-NAPS Special Programme Expanded for Youth in North East India
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has expanded the special programme under PM-NAPS for the North East Region (NER) for FY 2026-27. This expansion builds on the success of a pilot initiative launched in May 2025, aiming to boost apprenticeship opportunities and employability for youth in all eight North Eastern states.
Background
The pilot initiative under PM-NAPS for NER was launched in May 2025 to increase apprenticeship access in the region. It achieved over 90% of its target, placing 23,470 apprentices against a target of 26,000, with a 51% increase in apprenticeship participation in NER.
Key facts
The expanded programme targets 30,000 apprentices for FY 2026-27, a 15% increase over the pilot phase target.
Of these, 15,000 apprentices will be supported for opportunities outside NER, including in government departments and PSUs; the other 15,000 will be placed within NER, including in their home states.
Financial allocation for FY 2026-27 is ₹57.58 crore, funded through the North Eastern Region component of PM-NAPS.
An additional financial incentive of ₹1,500 per month is provided under the expanded scheme, now extended to apprentices working within their home states in NER (previously only for those going outside).
The pilot placed 23,470 apprentices (90% of target), with 13,673 placed outside their home state and 9,797 within NER.
Meghalaya recorded the highest growth in apprenticeship participation at 95% during the pilot.
Women emerged as major beneficiaries, with a significant increase in female apprenticeships.
Employer participation expanded significantly, with government institution apprenticeships doubling and private sector engagement also rising.
Implementation agency: Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati.
The programme includes workshops, awareness campaigns, employer engagement, and collaboration with academic institutions and industry stakeholders.
Prelims pointers
- PM-NAPS: Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
- MSDE: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
- IIE: Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati
- NER: North East Region (8 states)
- FY 2026-27 target: 30,000 apprentices
- Financial allocation: ₹57.58 crore
- Additional incentive: ₹1,500 per month
- Pilot target: 26,000; achieved: 23,470 (90%)
- Meghalaya: highest growth (95%) in apprenticeship participation
- Skill India Mission
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of apprenticeship schemes like PM-NAPS in addressing youth unemployment and skill gaps in India, with special reference to the North East region.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of targeted regional programmes under central schemes in promoting inclusive development and reducing regional disparities.
- Analyze the challenges and opportunities in implementing apprenticeship programmes in the North East, including issues of mobility, industry participation, and gender inclusion.