Aizawl: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Tuesday launched a pilot programme in Mizoram to promote apprenticeship training in the northeastern region.
The scheme was launched jointly by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, at a function held in Aizawl.
The initiative aims to provide structured, paid and high-quality apprenticeship opportunities to youth across the region.
The pilot scheme will be implemented by the Guwahati-based Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and the National Skill Development Corporation. It will be supported by State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates, and local institutions.
Under the advanced apprenticeship scheme, approximately 26,000 youth from the region will receive an additional Rs 1,500 per month for one year.
This is over and above the existing stipend of up to Rs 1,500 per month provided under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), which is implemented nationwide.
Officials said that the enhanced financial support is designed to address mobility-related challenges and ensure that youth from the region can access training opportunities both within and outside the northeast.
A total of Rs 43.94 crore has been earmarked for the pilot, including 4 crore for outreach, capacity building, and project implementation.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary said the launch of this special pilot initiative under NAPS marks a defining moment for apprenticeship promotion in the northeast.
“It opens the doors of real industry exposure for our youth, allowing them to step onto the factory floor, understand the dynamics of contemporary industry, and align their skills with real-world demand,” Chaudhary said.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma said the collaboration with the Centre would help open new doors for youth from the State and the wider region.
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“With financial support, quality training, and strong industry linkages, this initiative seeks to empower our young citizens to find their rightful place in India’s evolving economic landscape, whether in the northeast or across the country,” he said.
