DC Pulwama reviews implementation of PM-NAPS in district

PULWAMA : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom today chaired a meeting at the Administration Complex Pulwama to review the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) in the district and take stock of measures for increasing apprenticeship opportunities for eligible youth.
During the meeting, detailed presentations were given on the online process for registration and onboarding of establishments and candidates under NAPS. The presentation covered the step-by-step process of establishment registration, completion of establishment profile, creation of apprenticeship opportunities, searching suitable candidates, processing applications and other procedural formalities.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments and field functionaries to identify eligible establishments in their respective sectors and facilitate their registration on the apprenticeship portal. He called for concerted efforts to ensure that eligible establishments complete their profiles and create suitable apprenticeship opportunities so that more local youth can be connected with practical training and work-based learning opportunities.
The DC further stressed the need for effective coordination among DIC, Education, Health, Labour and ITI authorities for wider outreach and facilitation of eligible candidates. He directed the concerned officers to facilitate registration of eligible youth, ensure completion of their profiles and guide them in identifying and applying for suitable apprenticeship opportunities.
During the meeting, Dr. Qayoom laid emphasis on execution of Employer-Apprentice agreement and actual engagement of apprentices in potential/ eligible establishments and directed the concerned to complete target by 25th September, 2026.
The Deputy Commissioner also called for regular monitoring of the registration and engagement process and directed the concerned officers to address procedural bottlenecks, provide necessary handholding to establishments and candidates and ensure timely completion of apprenticeship contracts wherever eligible.
Emphasising the importance of apprenticeship in bridging the gap between formal training and workplace requirements, the Deputy Commissioner said that concerted efforts should be made to expand the apprenticeship ecosystem in the district and provide local youth with opportunities to gain practical experience, industry-relevant skills and enhanced employability.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Pulwama; General Manager, DIC Pulwama; and officers from DIC, Education, Health, Labour, ITI Pulwama besides the concerned technical teams.