Union Minister Launches DBT in NAPS to Strengthen Apprenticeship Ecosystem in India
Union Minister and other distinguished guests during Inauguration
By TFP Bureau New Delhi, August 12, 2023: In a significant move to boost apprenticeship training and engagement across India, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, unveiled the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). The launch ceremony marked the disbursement of approximately Rs. 15 crore to one lakh apprentices, heralding a new era for apprenticeship programs.
Since its inception in 2016 until July 31, 2023, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme has engaged a total of 25 lakh young individuals in apprenticeship roles, with 2.6 lakh apprentices completing their training in the current fiscal year. The Government’s proactive efforts have led to a remarkable increase in active establishments, from 6,755 in 2018-19 to an impressive 40,655 in 2023-24. The introduction of DBT through NAPS is seen as a major stride towards transparency and efficiency in disbursing stipends to apprentices.
During the launch event, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan praised the initiative, stating that the implementation of DBT aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making skill development aspirational and promoting earning while learning as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP).
The event also showcased Shri Dharmendra Pradhan’s interactions with various industry clusters and enthusiastic apprentices from Maharashtra, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The engagement highlighted the remarkable 488% increase in establishments adopting apprenticeship training since the inception of NAPS, thus contributing significantly to the nation’s workforce and economy.
Furthermore, a Chintan Shivir titled “Enhancing Apprenticeship Engagement” was organized by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, focusing on boosting the uptake of apprenticeship programs among all stakeholders. The sessions revolved around themes such as making apprenticeships aspirational, promoting quality apprenticeships, and creating a diverse and inclusive apprenticeship ecosystem.
The success of NAPS is evident from the rise in women apprentices from 22,427 in 2018-19 to 1.48 lakh in FY 2022-23. The scheme’s impact has spread across states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, with apprentices spanning from 5th to 8th-grade passouts to graduates and certificate holders.
With the implementation of DBT, it is anticipated that the number of apprentices will increase beyond the current 30% coverage under NAPS 2.0. This move is expected to further strengthen India’s apprenticeship ecosystem, aligning with the nation’s commitment to skill development and inclusive growth.
