Bandipora, Sep 10: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, chaired a meeting today at the Mini Secretariat to review the implementation of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) PRAGATI across the district.
The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at promoting skill development through practical, on-the-job training. Operating under the “Earn While You Learn” framework, the scheme connects educated youth directly with industrial and commercial establishments, offering trainees hands-on work experience, industry-recognized certification, and monthly stipends partly supported by government co-funding.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to achieve 100% onboarding of eligible commercial, private, and government establishments on the official apprenticeship portal. She pointed out that under the Apprentices Act, it is mandatory for establishments employing 30 or more workers to engage apprentices within the range of 2.5% to 15% of their total workforce. Units with 4 to 29 employees were also encouraged to join the scheme voluntarily to build a skilled local talent pool.
On the occasion, the DC set clear goals for departments to meet the district target of registering over 3,000 candidates and mobilizing local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), business houses, and health and tourism institutions. Key executing bodies and public enterprises operating in the district, including NHPC, NHAI, and commercial banks, were directed to identify apprentice vacancies and engage local youth without delay.
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and the District Industries Centre were further directed to regularly organize awareness camps and monthly Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Melas (PMNAM) across the district so that candidates can register and connect directly with prospective employers.
The meeting was attended by ADDC Bandopora Nazir Ahmad Mir, ADC Bandipora Zafar Husson Shawal, Chief Education Officer, officials from the Labour Department, representatives from NHPC, NHAI and J&K Bank, ITI Superintendents, besides other concerned district officers.
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