SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg on Saturday directed government departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), MSMEs and contracting agencies to accelerate implementation of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and significantly expand apprenticeship opportunities for youth across the Valley.
Chairing a review meeting, Garg said clear department-wise targets had already been fixed under the scheme and stressed that there was no room for delays in achieving them.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, Director Skill Development Dr Owais Ahmad, officials of the Airport Authority of India, NHPC, BEACON, KPDCL, Industries and Commerce Department, Excise Department and other agencies.
Officials were informed that NAPS seeks to strengthen industry-linked skill development through apprenticeship training across 261 designated trades in 12 strategic sectors, creating pathways for employment and workforce development.
Garg urged all eligible departments, corporations, PSUs, MSMEs and contractors to register on the NAPS portal and engage apprentices in accordance with prescribed norms. He also directed executing agencies to ensure project-wise registration to broaden participation under the scheme.
To boost enrolment, the Divisional Commissioner asked Deputy Commissioners to facilitate registration of eligible youth from colleges and schools and closely monitor progress at the district level.
In an effort to streamline implementation and coordination among departments, Additional Commissioner Kashmir Zahoor Ahmad Magray was designated as the Divisional Nodal Officer for NAPS.
Earlier, Director Skill Development Dr Owais Ahmad briefed the meeting on various aspects of the scheme, including eligibility criteria, benefits, registration procedures, training components and opportunities available through government institutions, corporations and private establishments.
Stressing time-bound achievement of targets, Garg called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to maximise apprenticeship opportunities and strengthen skill development initiatives across Kashmir.
