Mizoram: CM Lalduhoma launches NE Apprenticeship Pilot Scheme

AIZAWL: Reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to inclusive growth and regional empowerment, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), on Tuesday launched a strategic pilot scheme to promote apprenticeship training in the North Eastern Region (NER). The scheme was jointly launched in Aizawl by Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram and Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.

As a key financial support measure, over 26,000 youth from the region will receive an additional Rs 1,500 per month for one year under the pilot—over and above the regular stipend provided through the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). This support is applicable for apprentices from the North East Region undertaking training both within and outside the North East, ensuring that mobility does not become a barrier to accessing opportunity. A total of Rs 43.94 crore has been earmarked for the pilot, including Rs 4 crore for outreach, capacity building, and project implementation.

Speaking at the launch, Jayant Chaudhary, Minister (I/C), MSDE, stated: “The launch of this special pilot initiative under NAPS marks a defining moment for apprenticeship promotion in the North East. 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. For the industry, it offers a transparent mechanism to engage with and evaluate talent early. This is not just a training pathway—it is an accessible, open bridge to employment.

I want to highlight a particularly powerful dimension: the central role of women in this journey. The North East, with its unique cultural ethos, has always stood tall in championing women-led empowerment. At the policy level too, we are committed to reinforcing this. The data emerging from the NAPS implementation in the region clearly reflects higher female participation—turning the North East into a beacon of hope for gender-responsive skilling across India”

Chief Minister Lalduhoma, expressed: “This collaboration with the Government of India will open new doors for the youth of Mizoram and the wider North East. With financial support, quality training, and strong industry linkages, this initiative empowers our young citizens to find their rightful place in India’s evolving economic landscape—whether here in the North East or across the country. Mizoram has a unique demographic advantage—our high literacy rates, combined with the right skilling interventions, can unlock tremendous potential. Our youth are eager to learn and willing to lead. We take pride in our heritage skills, many of which have been passed down through generations, and are now being aligned with modern professional standards.”

The implementation will be implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), supported by State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates (RDSDEs), and local institutions, stated a press release.

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