The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a government initiative designed to promote apprenticeship training and increase the engagement of apprentices across various industries in India. This piece explores the guidelines and implementation strategies of NAPS, aimed at creating a skilled workforce and enhancing employability.
Background of the Scheme
The Apprentices Act, 1961, was enacted to regulate apprenticeship training. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is responsible for implementing the Act. The National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, launched in 2015, emphasizes apprenticeship as a key program for creating a skilled workforce. NAPS was introduced to incentivize establishments to engage apprentices and provide financial support for training.
Objectives of the NAPS
The main objectives of the NAPS are:
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To promote apprenticeship training.
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To increase the engagement of apprentices in various industries.
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To develop skilled manpower for industry.
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To provide practical learning and enhance the employability of candidates.
Key Features of Apprenticeship Training
Apprenticeship training includes:
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Basic Training: An essential component for fresher candidates who have not undergone any formal training.
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On-the-Job Training (OJT): Practical training at the workplace.
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Structured and Rigorous Training: Training in a real working environment.
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Skill Upgradation: Helping apprentices acquire skills and adapt to the workplace.
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Confidence Building: Providing opportunities to put acquired skills into practice.
Apprenticeship Engagement
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The Apprentices Act, 1961, mandates establishments with 30 or more employees to engage apprentices.
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Establishments with 4-29 employees can optionally engage apprentices.
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Each establishment should engage apprentices in a band of 2.5% to 15% of the total strength.
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A minimum of 5% of the total strength is to be reserved for fresher apprentices and skill certificate holders.
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Apprentices can be from various categories, including ITI pass-outs, graduates, diploma holders, and those who have completed NSQF aligned courses.
Incentivizing Establishments
NAPS provides financial incentives to establishments to promote apprenticeship training:
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Stipend Support: Sharing of 25% of the prescribed stipend, subject to a maximum of ₹1500 per month per apprentice.
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Basic Training Cost: Sharing the cost of basic training for apprentices who come directly to apprenticeship without any formal training, up to ₹7500 per apprentice for a maximum of 500 hours.
Components of the Scheme
The scheme has two financial support components:
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Sharing of 25% of the prescribed stipend, subject to a maximum of ₹1500 per month per apprentice.
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Sharing of basic training cost for apprentices who come directly to apprenticeship without formal trade training, up to ₹7500 per apprentice for a maximum of 500 hours.
Scope of the Scheme
The scheme covers all categories of apprentices except those under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS).
Scheme Targets
The scheme aims to increase the engagement of apprentices to:
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4 lakh apprentices in 2016-17.
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6 lakh apprentices in 2017-18.
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9 lakh apprentices in 2018-19.
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12 lakh apprentices in 2019-20.
Implementing Agencies
The scheme is implemented through:
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Regional Directorates of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (RDSDEs).
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National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
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Sector Skill Councils (SSCs).
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State Apprenticeship Advisors (SAAs).
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Various Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations, and MSME associations.
Key Features of NAPS
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Wider Scope: Extends apprenticeships to various sectors.
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Integration with Other Schemes: Links apprenticeship training with other schemes like PMKVY.
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Technology-Driven Administration: A dedicated online portal facilitates the implementation of the scheme.
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Online Registration: Facilitates online registration for both employers and candidates.
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Online Contract Submission: Enables online submission of apprenticeship contracts.
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Online Claim Submission: Facilitates online submission of claims for reimbursements.
Eligibility of Employers
Employers interested in running apprenticeship programs must:
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Employ four or more persons.
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Engage apprentices in a band of 2.5% to 15% of the total strength.
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Have EPFO/ESIC/Factory/Cooperative/MSME registration number.
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Have a TIN/TAN/GST/SC/ST number.
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Be registered on the apprenticeship portal.
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Have a bank account linked with Aadhaar/PAN No.
Eligibility of Apprentices
Apprentices must:
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Have executed a contract of apprenticeship.
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Be from various categories, including ITI pass-outs, graduates, diploma holders, and those who have completed NSQF aligned courses.
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Possess a minimum age of 14 years and other qualifications as per the Apprentices Act, 1961.
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Be registered on the apprenticeship portal.
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Have an Aadhaar number or other prescribed document.
Eligibility of Basic Training Providers (BTPs)
BTPs should:
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Be National Skill Training Institutes (NSTI) or National Skill Training Institutes for Women (NSTIW).
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Be Government/Private Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with a grade of 3 and above.
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Be Government and Private Training Centers approved by NSDC under SDMS/SMART/PMKK.
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Be industries/establishments with in-house basic training facilities.
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Be Basic Training Centres set up by Industry/Industry Clusters/Chambers/Associations.
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Be Stand-alone Basic Training Centers like Polytechnics, Universities, and Engineering/Management Colleges.
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Be Training Centres empanelled with State Governments.
Financial Provisions
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The Government will reimburse 25% of the stipend paid by employers, up to a maximum of ₹1500 per month per apprentice.
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The Government will also reimburse the cost of basic training for apprentices, up to ₹7500 per apprentice for a maximum of 500 hours.
Monitoring and Evaluation
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The scheme is monitored at various levels by the Ministry of MSME and other agencies.
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Physical verification of establishments is conducted every year.
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A web-based reporting system is used for monitoring the scheme.
Conclusion
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a vital initiative to promote skill development and employability among Indian youth. By providing financial incentives to establishments and creating a structured framework for apprenticeship training, the scheme aims to create a skilled workforce and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. The emphasis on practical training and industry linkages makes NAPS a crucial component of India’s skill development strategy.