The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has extended its Special Intervention for Promotion of Apprenticeship in the North-Eastern Region (NER) under the Prime Minister’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) for the financial year 2026–27, aiming to provide apprenticeship opportunities to 30,000 youth across the region.
The initiative, to be implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, builds on the pilot programme launched in May 2025 and seeks to expand industry participation, strengthen apprenticeship ecosystems and improve youth employability under the Skill India Mission. The Centre has earmarked ₹57.58 crore for the intervention through the North-Eastern Region component of PM-NAPS.
Of the 30,000 apprenticeship opportunities, 15,000 will be offered outside the North East, including in Central government departments and public sector undertakings, while the remaining 15,000 will be created within the region, including in the apprentices’ home states. The revised scheme also extends an additional financial incentive of ₹1,500 per month to apprentices working within their domicile states, in addition to existing PM-NAPS support.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship JayantChaudhary said the initiative would expand access to quality apprenticeship opportunities, encourage industry participation and equip young people with valuable workplace experience both within the North East and across the country.
The ministry said the pilot phase exceeded 90 per cent of its target by facilitating 23,470 apprentices against a goal of 26,000. Apprenticeship engagement in the region rose 51 per cent between FY 2024–25 and FY 2025–26, with Meghalaya recording the highest growth at 95 per cent. The programme also saw increased participation by women, government establishments and private sector employers.