Low Female Participation in National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)

Exam-focused facts from the 25 October 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) was launched in 2016.
NAPS entered its second phase, NAPS-2, in FY23.
Under NAPS-2, the government contributes 25 per cent of the prescribed minimum stipend, subject to a ceiling of ₹1,500 per apprentice per month.
The Skill India Programme, which includes NAPS, was allocated ₹2,800 crore in the Union Budget for 2026-27.
In FY27 so far, women accounted for 29.5 per cent of apprentices under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is placing special emphasis on increasing women’s participation in the scheme.