National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Apprenticeship Training
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes
Why in news
The government has released data on NAPS implementation, including the number of apprentices engaged and government share of stipend disbursed via DBT, highlighting the scheme's reach across sectors and states like Andhra Pradesh.
Background
NAPS was launched in August 2016 to promote apprenticeship training and enhance employability. From 2022-23, it continues as NAPS-2, implemented across India under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
Key facts
NAPS provides partial stipend support up to 25% (max ₹1,500 per month) to apprentices, paid via DBT.
From 2022-23 to 30 June 2026, 47,50,432 apprentices were engaged under NAPS across 45+ sectors.
Key sectors include automotive, IT-ITeS, electronics, retail, manufacturing, logistics, telecom, food processing, agriculture, apparel, construction, healthcare, life sciences, and tourism & hospitality.
Coastal economy trades covered: aquaculture worker, fish processing technician, pipe fitter (marine), rigger (marine), shipwright, crane operator, cargo operator, cold chain specialist, etc.
In Andhra Pradesh, 1,270 establishments (825 MSMEs, 445 others) engaged apprentices; government share of stipend: ₹54.68 crore.
All-India: 50,178 establishments (33,319 MSMEs, 16,859 others); government share: ₹1,609.19 crore.
Employers are not mandated to offer jobs after training completion.
Apprenticeship training is classified into designated and optional trades under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
The Act provides a framework for establishments with 4+ employees to use their training infrastructure for apprenticeship.
Prelims pointers
- National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) launched: August 2016
- NAPS-2 started: 2022-23
- Governing Act: Apprentices Act, 1961
- Stipend support: 25% of stipend, max ₹1,500 per month
- Payment mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to apprentice's bank account
- DBT for stipend started: July 2023
- Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
- Coastal trades included: aquaculture, fish processing, marine pipe fitting, rigging, shipwright, crane operation, cargo operations, cold chain, etc.
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of NAPS in enhancing employability and bridging the skill gap in India.
- Critically examine the effectiveness of apprenticeship training in promoting employment, especially in MSMEs.
- Analyze the significance of including coastal economy trades in NAPS for blue economy development.