Reinforcing the commitment to inclusive development and regional empowerment, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched a focused pilot initiative to promote apprenticeship training across the North Eastern Region (NER). The North East Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme was officially inaugurated in Aizawl by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, alongside Shri Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram.
This initiative aligns with the vision of Ashta Lakshmi and Viksit Bharat, Viksit North East, championed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. It offers structured, paid, and high-quality apprenticeship opportunities to youth in the region. The goal is to bridge the gap between education and employment through real-world industry exposure.
Financial support and inclusive opportunities
Under the scheme, more than 26,000 youth from the North East will receive an additional ₹1,500 per month for one year on top of the regular stipend available under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). This incentive is available to apprentices both within and outside the region, promoting mobility and broader access to industry-linked training opportunities. A total budget of ₹43.94 crore has been earmarked for the pilot, which includes ₹4 crore allocated for outreach, capacity building, and implementation support.
Industry linkages and focus on women’s participation
The pilot scheme also emphasizes inclusive participation, particularly the role of women in skill development. Speaking at the launch, Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the higher rate of female participation in NAPS across the North East, underscoring the region’s leadership in gender-responsive skilling. He described the scheme as a transparent, accessible bridge to employment that benefits both industry and aspiring youth.
Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma welcomed the collaboration, expressing confidence that the initiative would open new doors for the youth of Mizoram and the North East. He stressed the importance of practical, employment-oriented skills to help young citizens contribute meaningfully to India’s economic growth, both within the region and beyond.
Implementation and institutional support
The scheme will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, and NSDC, with active support from State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates (RDSDEs), and local partners. The approach combines local responsiveness with national scale, ensuring effective execution and measurable outcomes.
MoU with Welspun for skilling in Textile Sector
As part of the launch, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged between NSDC and Welspun Living Limited to initiate a high-impact pilot in apprenticeship-linked skilling for the textile sector. The programme will train 1,000 youth, at least 50% of whom will be women over the next year. Training will follow a blended model of 120 hours of classroom instruction and 210 hours of on-the-job training at Welspun’s advanced facilities in Anjar and Vapi, Gujarat. Welspun will manage curriculum design and training, while NSDC will support mobilisation, digital onboarding via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), and classroom training funding. Successful trainees will receive joint certification from NSDC and Welspun, enhancing their employability in the textile industry.
ITI upgradation and long-term vision
The event also showcased the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, recently approved with a ₹60,000 crore outlay to modernise 1,000 government ITIs. The government will use a hub-and-spoke model to upgrade infrastructure and align training with emerging industry needs. This approach is set to significantly benefit the North Eastern Region by strengthening state–industry partnerships and improving access to future-ready training facilities.
Also read: 5 Centres of Excellence for Skilling and National Scheme for ITI Upgradation Approved
A pathway to a skilled North East
As India advances toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, the North East is not just a participant, it is emerging as a key driver in the national skills transformation journey. The North East Apprenticeship Pilot initiative is a promising model for region-specific, industry-aligned, and inclusive skilling, setting the stage for sustainable economic growth led by empowered youth.
