In the pilot launched in May 2025, 23,470 apprentices were engaged against a target of 26,000, achieving over 90%.
Shillong, July 17: Meghalaya has recorded the highest growth of 95% in a Central apprenticeship promotion programme implemented in the North East.
The Special Intervention for Promotion of Apprenticeship in region under PM-NAPS for 2026-27 is sponsored by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Implemented by Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) Guwahati with an outlay of Rs 57.58 crore, the programme aims to deepen apprenticeship coverage across all eight NER states and strengthen youth employability under Skill India.
The target for this year has been raised by around 15% to 30,000 apprentices.
Of these, 15,000 will be placed outside the region in Central government departments and PSUs, while 15,000 will be engaged within NER, including in their home states.
The additional incentive of Rs 1,500 per month over PM-NAPS support has also been expanded.
Earlier, focused on apprentices moving out, it will now cover those engaged within their domicile states too.
The initiative will continue to support workshops, awareness campaigns, employer engagement, and partnerships with institutions and industry to strengthen the apprenticeship ecosystem.
In the pilot launched in May 2025, 23,470 apprentices were engaged against a target of 26,000, achieving over 90%. Overall apprenticeship numbers in NER grew 51% from 15,562 in FY 2024-25 to 23,470 in FY 2025-26.
Of these, 13,673 apprentices secured opportunities outside their home state and 9,797 were engaged within the region.
Women’s participation and employer engagement also saw a significant rise, with government establishment participation doubling.
MoS Jayant Chaudhary said the extension will expand access to quality apprenticeships and help NER youth gain workplace experience both within the region and across the country.
“The remarkable success of the pilot initiative demonstrates that with the right opportunities and support, our youth can unlock their full potential,” he said.
“By extending this intervention under PM-NAPS, we are expanding access to quality apprenticeship opportunities, strengthening local ecosystems, encouraging industry participation, and enabling young people from the region to gain valuable workplace experience both within the North-East and across the country,” he added.
