The 38th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC), chaired by Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, has recommended a 30 percent increase in stipend for apprentices under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). The revised stipend range, increasing from 5,000–9,000 rupees to 6,800–12,300 rupees, aims to reduce dropout rates and attract more candidates across diverse sectors, supporting the government’s push for skill development.
During the meeting at Vigyan Bhawan, the Council discussed biennial adjustments of stipend based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), aligning it with the salary increment cycle in July. The proposal, falling under the administrative jurisdiction of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), will be sent to the Cabinet for final approval.
Chaudhary emphasized that apprenticeship is not just a skilling mechanism, but a bridge connecting education, industry, and employment, especially for rural youth. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusivity and reforms, citing initiatives such as micro-apprenticeships, optional trades, and increased autonomy for higher education institutions under NATS.
Key reforms discussed included the introduction of Degree Apprenticeships, online and blended learning options for employers, and apprenticeship-embedded education programs. The Council also addressed enhancing opportunities for persons with benchmark disabilities, proposing the insertion of a new definition aligned with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and reserving training slots accordingly.
Other major discussions focused on replacing the existing industry classification (1987 code) with NIC Code 2008, expanding apprenticeship training into sectors such as IT, software services, telecommunications, biotechnology, and renewable energy. The Council also proposed location-based stipend adjustments to reflect cost-of-living differences and the need for insurance coverage for apprentices.
The Minister unveiled KPMG’s “Data Analysis Report: National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (Feb 2018–April 2025)”, highlighting apprenticeship trends and progress under PM-NAPS. India’s apprenticeship ecosystem has seen significant growth, with over 43.47 million apprentices engaged across 36 States and Union Territories and participation from more than 51,000 establishments. Female participation has reached 20 percent, with ongoing efforts to improve inclusivity.
The Central Apprenticeship Council, comprising representatives from ministries, state governments, industries, academia, and technical experts, continues to shape policy frameworks and industry engagement in apprenticeship training. The recommendations made in the meeting will play a crucial role in aligning India’s skill development programs with evolving economic and industrial demands, reinforcing the vision of Kushal Bharat, Viksit Bharat.
