Dimapur: In a bid to boost regional skill development, the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organised an awareness and registration drive for the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) at Jubilee Memorial College, Mokokchung, on Thursday.
The initiative focuses on the Northeast, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Ashta Lakshmi and Viksit Bharat, Viksit North East. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between industry demand and skilled talent through hands-on, experiential learning.
Addressing the gathering, Atsungba Walling, Mokokchung ADC, highlighted the urgency of skill development in an era shaped by automation and globalisation. “A traditional degree alone is no longer enough,” Walling said, urging youth to complement theoretical knowledge with practical application. He emphasised that skills can open avenues for self-employment rather than just government jobs.
Drawing from local wisdom, he cited the Ao Naga proverb, “The bamboo that bends doesn’t break,” encouraging students to remain flexible and resilient in today’s dynamic job market.
During the programme, Pravin Yadav, state coordinator for the National Skill Development Corporation, led a technical session on registering establishments and students on the official Apprenticeship portal. H Alongse, joint director of the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, provided an overview of the current employment landscape in Nagaland.
Representatives from the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Guwahati, discussed the importance of convergence and outlined a strategic roadmap for apprenticeships in the region. The event also featured a screening of PM-NAPS success stories and an interactive networking session with sector skill councils and third-party aggregators.