DC Ganderbal reviews implementation of National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme

Ganderbal| Sept. 12:Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, Saturday chaired a meeting to review the implementation and progress of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in the district.
During the meeting, the District Nodal Officer, NAPS, gave a detailed presentation on the scheme, highlighting its eligibility criteria, benefits, registration of establishments and apprentices, designated trades, training components and opportunities for apprenticeship engagement by PSUs, corporations, banks and other establishments.
It was informed that NAPS aims to promote apprenticeship engagement, enhance employability and provide structured vocational training opportunities to youth by facilitating their association with industrial and institutional establishments.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner stated that department-wise targets have already been fixed to enhance workforce engagement under the scheme. He urged all departments, PSUs, MSMEs and contracting agencies to register their establishments on the NAPS portal and engage apprentices as per the prescribed provisions under the scheme.
The DC further directed all concerned departments, corporations and executing agencies to ensure project wise registration of establishments on the portal and identify suitable apprenticeship opportunities in accordance with their workforce requirements and designated trades.
Emphasising the importance of institutional coordination, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Principals of Government Degree College Ganderbal, Government Degree College Kangan, ITIs and Government Polytechnic College, besides other educational institutions, to facilitate registration of eligible students and on the NAPS portal and promote available apprenticeship opportunities among the youth.
He also directed district officers and representatives of participating PSUs and contracting agencies to ensure timely achievement of assigned targets, maintain regular coordination with the District Nodal Officer and furnish progress reports for periodic review.
The Deputy Commissioner called upon all stakeholders to make concerted efforts for effective implementation of NAPS in the district, stressing that the scheme can play an important role in bridging the gap between education and employment and equipping local youth with industry relevant skills and practical training opportunities.
The meeting was attended by General Manager, DIC Ganderbal; Chief Planning Officer, Ganderbal; Principals of Government Degree College Ganderbal and Government Degree College Kangan; Principal, Government Polytechnic College; Principal ITI Ganderbal and Kangan, district officers; and representatives from NHIDCL, NHAI and other concerned departments and agencies.