In a significant push toward regional skill development, an awareness and registration drive for the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) was successfully conducted at Jubilee Memorial College (JMC), Mokokchung on 29th January 2026.
Organised under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the initiative focuses on the Northeast Region, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of "Ashta Lakshmi" and "Viksit Bharat, Viksit North East." The scheme serves as a bridge between industry demand and skilled talent through hands-on, experiential learning.
Addressing the gathering, Atsungba Walling, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, highlighted the urgency of skill development in an era defined by automation and globalisation. "A traditional degree alone is no longer enough," Walling stated, urging youth to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. He emphasised that skills are the "key to self-employment" rather than just a route to government jobs. Drawing from local wisdom, he cited the Ao folklore, "The bamboo that bends doesn’t break," encouraging students to remain flexible and resilient in the modern job market.
Key Highlights of the Programme:
Registration Drive: Pravin Yadav, State Coordinator for the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), led a technical session on registering establishments and students on the official Apprenticeship Portal.
Employment Insights: Er. H. Alongse, Joint Director of DOESDE, provided a comprehensive overview of the current employment landscape in Nagaland.
Collaborative Strategy: Representatives from the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, discussed the importance of convergence and the strategic way forward for apprenticeship in the region.
The event, moderated by Dr. Chubaienla Imchen (Asst. Professor, JMC), included a screening of PM-NAPS success stories and an interactive networking session with Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) and Third-Party Aggregators (TPAs).
The programme commenced with an invocation by Counsellor Yimnayanger and a welcome address by Er. T. Imlisunep Ao, Principal of Govt. ITI Mokokchung. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Er. Enchiba Longkumer, Principal of Govt. ITI Kohima.
(Zuchumo kithan, IA Mokokchung)
