Kanubari, Feb 3: An awareness workshop-cum-mobilisation drive under the Prime Minister’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)–NER for Longding district was held at the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Kanubari, on Tuesday.
Attending the programme, Kanubari ADC Yashwant Meena said that the flagship skill development programmes of the Department of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (DSDE) are aimed at bridging the gap between unemployed youth and employers. He encouraged participants to make full use of schemes such as PM-NAPS/SAPS, Chief Minister’s Soft Loan Scheme (CMSLS), and the Foreign Language Training Programme and Overseas Placement (FLTPOP) to enhance their employability within the country and abroad.
The ADC also stressed the need for youth to travel outside the state for apprenticeship training to gain exposure, skills, and expertise in their chosen trades. He appreciated DSDE for organising the programme at the grassroots level and assured that the Longding district administration would help disseminate information about skill development and job opportunities across the district.
Deputy Director, DSDE, Gyati Kacho explained the benefits of NAPS and SAPS through a presentation. He informed that under NAPS, apprentices receive a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500, with an additional Rs 1,500 for APST candidates training outside the state. Employers also pay stipends ranging from Rs 6,800 to Rs 12,300 per month. Under SAPS, trainees receive Rs 11,625 per month along with a one-time travel allowance of Rs 5,000, enabling them to earn Rs 20,000 to 25,000 per month during the apprenticeship period.
DSDE consultant Tonuruchi Olimman briefed participants on the Chief Minister’s Soft Loan Scheme and the Foreign Language Training Programme and Overseas Placement. Under CMSLS, ITI pass-outs are eligible for loans of up to Rs 3 lakh along with tool incentives and interest subsidies. Under the foreign language programme, the state government bears 70 per cent of the training and placement costs.
Deputy Director of Industries and Member Secretary, Longding District Skill Committee, Haolem Arangam urged trainees to explore opportunities outside the state to improve skills and secure employment.
Representatives of empanelled third-party aggregators shared information on available job roles, vacancies, and training locations. Help desks were also set up for on-the-spot counselling and registration.