Image Source: PIB
In a landmark initiative aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment, the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), has launched a dynamic campaign to promote apprenticeship in North East India. Held at the Assam Water Centre Campus in Guwahati, this one-day event marked a pivotal moment in India’s skilling revolution, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, training institutions, and youth from across the region.
A Region Ready to Rise
The North Eastern Region (NER) of India, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, has long faced challenges in industrial development and employment generation. But as Joint Secretary of MSDE, Shreeshail Malge, emphasized in his keynote address, “The North East is not just a region of immense natural and cultural wealth—it is a growth engine waiting to be fully realized”.
This campaign, titled “Special Intervention for Promotion of Apprenticeship in the North Eastern Region,” is more than a symbolic gesture—it’s a strategic move to unlock the region’s potential by equipping its youth with practical, industry-aligned skills.
Apprenticeship as a Gateway to Employment
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Ashta Lakshmi and Viksit Bharat, Viksit North East, which emphasizes inclusive growth and regional empowerment. Through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), the campaign aims to provide structured, paid, and high-quality apprenticeship opportunities to youth across the eight northeastern states.
One of the most impactful features of the program is the financial support offered to apprentices. Youth from the region will receive an additional ₹1,500 per month for one year—on top of the standard NAPS stipend—whether they train locally or outside the North East. This mobility-linked support ensures that geography does not become a barrier to opportunity.
Collaboration Across Sectors
The event saw enthusiastic participation from key stakeholders, including senior officials from MSDE, IIE, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Sector Skill Councils, State PM-NAPS Nodal Officers, Third Party Aggregators (TPAs), Public Sector Units (PSUs), and regional training institutions. This multi-stakeholder approach is designed to create a robust apprenticeship ecosystem that is both scalable and replicable.
VS Arvind, Director at MSDE, presented the upgraded NAPS portal, which will streamline operations and improve accessibility for apprentices and employers alike. The portal’s new features include real-time tracking, simplified registration, and enhanced data analytics to monitor progress and impact.
Empowering Youth, Especially Women
A standout theme of the campaign was the emphasis on gender-responsive skilling. Data from NAPS implementation in the region shows higher female participation, positioning the North East as a beacon of women-led empowerment in India’s skilling landscape. The campaign aims to further amplify this trend by encouraging industries to engage more women in apprenticeship roles and by tailoring training programs to meet their needs.
Building Bridges Between Aspirations and Industry
The apprenticeship model promoted by IIE is not just about training—it’s about transformation. By placing youth directly in industry settings, the program allows them to gain hands-on experience, understand workplace dynamics, and align their skills with market demand. For employers, it offers a transparent mechanism to evaluate talent early and build a future-ready workforce.
This initiative also lays the groundwork for long-term regional development. By fostering local talent and connecting it with national industry networks, the campaign helps reduce migration pressures and strengthens the economic fabric of the North East.
Looking Ahead
With ₹43.94 crore earmarked for the pilot—including ₹4 crore for outreach, capacity building, and implementation—the campaign is set to scale rapidly. IIE Guwahati and NSDC will lead the charge, working closely with State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates (RDSDEs), and local training institutions to ensure seamless execution.
As India positions itself as a global skill capital, the North East is stepping forward—not as a peripheral player, but as a central force in the country’s growth story. Through focused apprenticeship initiatives, IIE is turning potential into progress, and aspirations into action.
Sources: IIE Press Release, WebIndia123, Sentinel Assam
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