Skill Development Department,
Government of Sikkim,
Awareness-cum-Interaction programme with MSMEs on the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)
The Niyukti Kendra, Skill Development Department, Government of Sikkim, successfully organized an Awareness-cum-Interaction Programme with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) at the Conference Hall, Skill Development Department, Sokaythang, Gangtok, on 21 September 2026.
The programme was graced by the presence of the following dignitaries and representatives:
• Smt. Tashi Cho Cho, IAS, Secretary, Skill Development Department, GoS
• Shri. M. Ravi Kumar. IFS, Director, MSME
• Shri. Bishal Rai, Principal Director-cum-Chief Administrator, SICB, SDD
• Shri. Samdup Bhutia, SCS, Special Secretary, Skill Development Department
• Smt. Sushma Pradhan, SCS, Joint Secretary-cum-CEO, Niyukti Kendra, SDD
• Officials of Niyukti Kendra
• Representatives of various MSMEs
The programme was organised with the objective of creating awareness among MSMEs regarding the benefits of engaging apprentices under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), the registration and onboarding process on the Apprenticeship Portal, and the role of establishments in providing practical workplace training to young candidates.
The programme also provided an interactive platform for participating MSMEs to discuss their concerns, seek clarification on the apprenticeship process, and understand the support and facilitation available under PM-NAPS. MSMEs will benefit from the apprenticeship scheme in terms of organisational stability through manpower and the benefit of stipend payment to apprentices.
During the programme, officials of the Skill Development Department made a detailed presentation on PM-NAPS, covering the key provisions and implementation aspects of the scheme. A step-by-step walkthrough of the NAPS Portal registration process for establishments was also conducted to facilitate the participating MSMEs in registering themselves on the portal and creating apprenticeship opportunities.
The presentation covered important aspects such as establishment registration, profile completion, engagement of apprentices, creation of apprenticeship opportunities, execution of apprenticeship contracts, stipend-related provisions, and other procedural requirements under the scheme.
The participating MSMEs were encouraged to actively register on the Apprenticeship Portal and utilize the apprenticeship framework to provide practical, industry-oriented training opportunities to youth. The Department also emphasised the important role of MSMEs in strengthening the apprenticeship ecosystem and enhancing employment-oriented opportunities for young people in the State.
The programme concluded with an interactive session, during which representatives of MSMEs raised queries and shared their views regarding the implementation of apprenticeship training. The officials of the Skill Development Department addressed the queries and assured continued support and facilitation to the establishments for effective implementation of PM-NAPS through Niyukti Kendra, SDD.
Further, Shri M. Ravi Kumar, Director, MSME, appreciated the efforts of the Skill Development Department and suggested a state-level workshop and district-level workshops for PM-NAPS with MSMEs in collaboration with the Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim
