Aizawl: Reaffirming its commitment to inclusive development and regional empowerment, the Government of India today launched a strategic pilot initiative to promote apprenticeship training in the North Eastern Region (NER). The scheme was formally unveiled in Aizawl by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), alongside Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram.
The pilot initiative aims to deliver structured, paid, and high-quality apprenticeship opportunities to over 26,000 youth from the North East, providing a crucial link between skilling and employment. In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Ashta Lakshmi and Viksit Bharat, Viksit North East, the initiative includes a monthly financial support of ₹1,500 for one year—on top of the regular stipend provided under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). This incentive is available to apprentices both within and outside the North East, ensuring mobility and accessibility to opportunities.
A total of ₹43.94 crore has been allocated for the pilot, with ₹4 crore set aside for outreach, capacity building, and implementation activities.
“This initiative marks a defining moment for the promotion of apprenticeships in the North East,” said Jayant Chaudhary. “It bridges classroom learning with real-world industry exposure, offering youth a tangible pathway to employment and empowering industries to connect with skilled talent early on.”
He also underscored the North East’s leadership in gender inclusion, noting that data from NAPS shows higher female participation in the region. “The cultural ethos of the North East has always celebrated women-led empowerment, and this initiative reinforces our commitment to gender-responsive skilling,” he added.
Echoing the sentiment, Chief Minister Lalduhoma described the collaboration with the Centre as a “game-changer” for the region. “This initiative brings not just financial support but practical, employment-oriented training that allows our youth to thrive—both within the region and beyond,” he said.
The scheme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), in partnership with State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDSDEs), and local institutions.
The launch also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSDC and Welspun Living Limited. Under the agreement, 1,000 youth will be trained over the next year for operator-level roles in the textile sector. At least 50% of the beneficiaries will be women. Training will be delivered through a blended model—120 hours of classroom instruction followed by 210 hours of on-the-job training at Welspun facilities in Gujarat. Successful trainees will receive joint certification from NSDC and Welspun, boosting their employability.
Another key highlight of the event was a presentation on the recently approved ₹60,000 crore National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, which will modernise 1,000 government ITIs across India. The scheme adopts a hub-and-spoke model to strengthen training infrastructure and align vocational education with emerging industry needs—an opportunity the North Eastern Region can leverage to bolster its skilling ecosystem.
Senior dignitaries present included Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State for Labour, Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Mizoram; K. Sapdanga, Mizoram’s Home Minister; Maotoshi Longkumer, Adviser for Skill Development, Government of Nagaland; G. Madhumita Das, Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, MSDE; and Shreeshail Malge, Joint Secretary, MSDE.
