An Awareness and Registration Drive for Establishments on the Apprenticeship Portal (PM-NAPS) was held today at the Agape Higher Secondary School Auditorium, Kiphire. The program aimed to promote apprenticeship opportunities and encourage both establishments and youths to register on the PM-NAPS portal.
Temsuwati Longkumer, NCS, Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire and Chairman of the District Skill Committee (DSC), graced the event as the special guest.
Stating that “days of depending solely on government jobs are over,” Longkumer encouraged students to explore different fields, equip themselves with skills, and prepare for their future careers. “Not everyone will become doctors or engineers,” he stated, “but everyone can find a way to be independent and secure a job that provides satisfaction and stability.”
He further urged students to use social media for learning and skill development rather than only for entertainment. “Invest your time and energy in something that can build your future. Let your passion also be your livelihood,” he advised.
Er H Alongse, Joint Director of the Department of Employment, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (DoESDE), spoke on the issue of unemployment in Nagaland. He said that while the population continues to grow, job opportunities have remained limited. Therefore, he encouraged the youth to skill themselves for opportunities in the private sector, including hospitality, airlines, cruise services, agriculture, tourism, and nursing.
“Skill is the need of the hour,” he emphasized, adding that industries seek experienced and hardworking individuals. He also spoke about entrepreneurship, stating that “only those with vision and willpower can become successful entrepreneurs,” and encouraged students to maintain a good relationship with the banking system.
Pravin Yadav, State Coordinator of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), shared that the PM-NAPS program aims to empower youth through apprenticeship training. He said the scheme provides an excellent opportunity for aspiring candidates to enhance their skills and for employers to improve productivity.
He further explained that apprenticeship training allows candidates to gain real-world experience, earn while learning, and enhance their employability. Apprentices also receive industry-recognised certificates, and part of their stipend is directly credited to their accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer.
For establishments, the scheme helps develop skilled workers suited to their business needs. The government provides a contribution of 25% of the stipend (up to Rs 1,500) for each apprentice, and for candidates from the North Eastern Region working outside their home state, the total contribution can reach up to Rs 3,000 per candidate.
Yadav added that over 5.5 lakh apprenticeship opportunities are currently available on the apprenticeship portal.
Altogether, around 350 students from Loyola Higher Secondary School, Government Higher Secondary School, Yangphi High School, Agape Higher Secondary School, and Zisaji Presidency College participated actively in the program.
The program was chaired by Thsadiba Sangtam, Director of JSS, while T Khyodemo, Vice Principal of Government ITI Kiphire, delivered the welcome address.