Kaushal Bharat, Viksit Bharat: Niyukti Kendra organises NAPS for NER awareness at Pakyong.
Pakyong, January 08 (IPR): Under Kaushal Bharat, Viksit Bharat, a one-day awareness workshop on the Special Pilot Initiative under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), titled “Advancing Apprenticeship in the North Eastern Region”, was organised by Niyukti Kendra, Skill Development Department, Government of Sikkim in collaboration with District Skill Committee, Pakyong at the RDD Community Complex, Rurban Pakyong, today.
The workshop aimed to promote awareness and implementation of NAPS by guiding youths and establishments on apprenticeship opportunities, processes, and benefits to enhance employability in the North Eastern Region.
The programme was attended by Officer on Special Duty, IT Department, Mr Bum Tshering Yonzon as the chief guest.
Also present were Additional District Collector (Headquarter), Mr Sabindra Rai; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Pakyong, Mr Dakman Subba and Deputy Secretary, RDD, Mr Raju Pradhan.
During the workshop, Joint Secretary cum CEO, Niyukti Kendra, Skill Development Department, Mrs Sushma Pradhan, delivered a presentation on the provisions of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), outlining the apprenticeship training landscape and key aspects of the Apprentices Act, 1961, including eligibility norms for establishments and candidates, contract procedures, regulations, stipend structure, training framework and penalty provisions.
She explained the apprenticeship lifecycle, detailing the process from registration to certification. She also informed about the benefits for establishments engaging apprentices, including compliance, organisational stability, workforce pipeline development, ease of doing business, incentives and social impact.
She further highlighted benefits for apprentices, such as industry-oriented training, potential progression from apprentice to employee, training through latest technologies, recognition mechanisms, earn-while-learn opportunities and globally recognised certification.
Additionally, she outlined guidelines for implementation of NAPS-2 and the NAPS-DBT launch roadmap, and shared the candidate and establishment checklist for successful implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
She also briefed on the pilot initiative for special intervention for promotion of apprenticeship in the North Eastern Region, under which candidates from the North East undertaking apprenticeship training within or outside the region will receive an additional financial support of Rs 1,500 in addition to the partial stipend support of Rs 1,500 provided under PM-NAPS.
Informing participants about various trainings under the Niyukti Kendra and Sikkim INSPIRES initiative, she urged them to register with Niyukti Kendra and on the apprenticeship portal.
At the outset, Deputy Director, Skill Development Department, Mr DD Sharma, briefed on the objectives and components of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), highlighting that the scheme serves as a bridge between job seekers and employers by providing hands-on training opportunities in real workplace settings.
He emphasised the role of apprenticeship in enhancing employability in Sikkim and encouraged participation of youths and establishments. He also informed about Niyukti Kendra, outlining its role in equipping individuals with in-demand skills and connecting them with relevant employment opportunities across various sectors.
He further urged collaborative efforts in line with the Chief Minister’s vision of a Sunaulo, Samriddha ani Samarth Sikkim, and reiterated the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Likewise, a demonstration of the NAPS portal was conducted by Instructor, Skill Development Department, Mr Pema T Lepcha, explaining the registration and onboarding process for apprentices and establishments.
Further, HR, North East Pharma Pack, Mr Hemant Sharma, shared industry experience on the engagement of apprentices under the scheme, outlining the role of the Skill Development Department in facilitating establishment onboarding and introducing the Third-Party Aggregator, Yuva Shakti Foundation. He stated that awareness and guided support enabled establishments to understand the objectives of the scheme and complete the enrolment process. He also noted that such initiatives contribute to practical skill development and improved employability among youths.
Also, a video on Niyukti Kendra, Skill Development Department, was screened, providing participants with an overview of the department’s role, objectives and initiatives.
During the valedictory session, participation certificates were distributed to the establishments.
A hands-on session was also conducted for establishments, providing practical guidance on registration and usage of the NAPS portal.
It may be noted that registrations are to be done through the portal www.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in.
The workshop saw participation from Self Help Group members, students and faculty of Government Industrial Training Institute, representatives from organisations, establishments and industrial units in the district, and representatives from Yuva Shakti Foundation.
Report from DIO Pakyong