AIZAWL, May 21: In a significant move to boost skill development and employment opportunities in the northeastern region, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Tuesday launched a pilot apprenticeship programme in Mizoram.
The scheme was officially inaugurated at a function in Aizawl by Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary.
The new initiative aims to provide structured, paid, and high-quality apprenticeship opportunities to youth across the region. It will be implemented by the Guwahati-based Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship and the National Skill Development Corporation, with active support from State Skill Missions, Regional Directorates, and local institutions.
Under the advanced apprenticeship scheme, approximately 26,000 youth from the northeast will receive an additional stipend of Rs 1,500 per month for one year. This financial support comes on top of the existing stipend of up to Rs 1,500 per month provided under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), which is being implemented nationwide.
Officials said the enhanced stipend is intended to address mobility-related challenges and ensure that youth from the region are able to access training opportunities both within and outside the northeast.
A total of Rs 43.94 crore has been allocated for the pilot programme. This includes Rs 4 crore earmarked for outreach activities, capacity building, and project implementation.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the importance of the initiative, calling it a defining moment for apprenticeship promotion in the region. “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,” he said.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed confidence that the collaboration with the Centre would unlock new opportunities for youth in Mizoram and the broader northeast region. “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.
