The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has achieved a major milestone in India’s apprenticeship ecosystem, with over 41.2 lakh apprentices engaged under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). A recent Zonal Review Meeting in Bhubaneswar, covering Eastern and Southern states, focused on expanding industry participation and enhancing apprenticeship opportunities to reach the target of 46 lakh apprentices by March 2026.
MSDE Secretary Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari highlighted the scheme’s transformative impact, emphasizing its role in preparing an industry-ready workforce. “NAPS is a journey toward building skilled talent aligned with India’s economic aspirations. We are adapting to new industry trends like AI and electric vehicle mechanics while ensuring inclusivity, particularly for women and disadvantaged communities,” he said.
The meeting featured presentations from key industry players, including Toyota Kirloskar, Tata Group, and Bharat Electronics Limited. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana led apprenticeship engagement in the South, while West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha showed strong participation in the East. Notably, MSMEs now constitute 38% of active establishments under NAPS, underscoring their growing role in skill development. The push for apprenticeship expansion is expected to have a significant impact on regions like Guwahati, where industries are actively seeking skilled workers. With MSMEs forming a crucial part of the local economy, increased apprenticeship engagement could provide a steady supply of trained professionals to sectors such as manufacturing, IT, and logistics. Moreover, enhanced financial inclusion through direct stipend transfers ensures transparency, benefiting young workers entering the job market. As MSDE ramps up its outreach efforts through job fairs and awareness workshops, India’s vision of a globally competitive workforce under the Skill India Mission is taking shape, paving the way for economic growth and employment opportunities nationwide.