The Central government has launched an extension of the Special Intervention for Promotion of Apprenticeship in the North-Eastern Region under the Prime Minister’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme for FY27. This initiative aims to deepen apprenticeship penetration and enhance youth employability in the region. The program will be overseen by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati, with a target of 30,000 apprentices, marking a 15% increase over the pilot phase.
Building on the success of the pilot initiative introduced in May 2025, the extended intervention seeks to expand apprenticeship opportunities across eight North-Eastern States. It aims to boost the involvement of industry and government establishments and establish sustainable livelihood pathways for the region’s youth under the Skill India Mission. Of the total apprentices, 15,000 will receive support for opportunities outside the North-East, including placements in Government Departments and Public Sector Undertakings, while the remaining 15,000 will be engaged within the region, including in their domicile States.
The Government has allocated a financial outlay of Rs 57.58 crore for this initiative in the fiscal year, to be funded through the North-Eastern Region component of PM-NAPS. The extended intervention expands the coverage to include an additional financial incentive of Rs 1,500 per month, in addition to the existing support available under PM-NAPS. The initiative will focus on strengthening the apprenticeship ecosystem through workshops, awareness campaigns, employer engagement programs, and collaborations with educational institutions and industry stakeholders across the region.
Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, highlighted the potential of the North-Eastern Region as a significant asset for India. He emphasized the importance of providing opportunities and support to the region’s youth to unlock their full potential for contributing to the nation’s growth story.
