National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2)

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) on 19th August 2016. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme-2 (NAPS-2) is a continuation of this initiative, aiming to promote apprenticeship training throughout India. This is achieved by providing partial stipend support to apprentices engaged under the Apprentice Act, 1961, offering financial incentives to establishments, building capacity within the apprenticeship ecosystem, and providing advocacy assistance to stakeholders. The scheme seeks to improve the ease of doing business by simplifying the processes involved in apprenticeship engagement.

NAPS-2 is a Central Sector Scheme, meaning it is 100% funded by the Central Government, and operates as a sub-component under the broader "Skill India Programme." MSDE is responsible for its overall regulation, management, and monitoring. Key objectives include developing a skilled workforce through on-the-job experiential training, encouraging establishments (particularly Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and those in underserved areas like aspirational districts and the North-East Region) to enroll apprentices by sharing stipend costs, and providing up-skilling opportunities for candidates who have completed various Central and State Government skill training initiatives. The scheme anticipates training 46 lakh apprentices from FY2022-23 to FY2025-26, enhancing their conversion to employment through quick registration on the National Career Service (NCS) portal, and boosting apprenticeship engagement in the infrastructure sector via platforms like Gati Shakti. Innovative models to upgrade existing informal economy apprenticeship systems, focusing on craftsmen, artisans, and traditional skills, are also integral to NAPS-2.