Reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive growth and regional empowerment, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched a strategic pilot scheme to promote apprenticeship training in the North Eastern Region (NER). The scheme was jointly launched in Aizawl by Shri Lalduhoma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, and Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Anchored in the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of Ashta Lakshmi and Viksit Bharat, Viksit North East, the initiative aims to provide structured, paid, and high-quality apprenticeship opportunities to youth across the region. As a key financial support measure, over 26,000 youth from the region will receive an additional ₹1,500 per month for one year under the pilot—over and above the regular stipend provided through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
Speaking at the launch, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister (I/C), MSDE, stated: “The launch of this special pilot initiative under NAPS marks a defining moment for apprenticeship promotion in the North East. It opens the doors of real industry exposure for our youth—allowing them to step onto the factory floor, understand the dynamics of contemporary industry, and align their skills with real-world demand.” Shri Lalduhoma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram, expressed: “This collaboration with the Government of India will open new doors for the youth of Mizoram and the wider North East.”
Over 35,000 establishments have participated in apprenticeship engagement, supported by more than 5,000 Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAMs) held nationwide. The event was graced by the presence of several senior dignitaries, including Shri Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of State, Labour, Employment and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Shri K. Sapdanga, Hon’ble Minister for Home from Govt of Mizoram. Also present was Shri Maotoshi Longkumer, Adviser for Skill Development, Employment, Labour, and Excise, Government of Nagaland, Smt. G. Madhumita Das, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, and Shri Shreeshail Malge, Joint Secretary, MSDE.
