NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING SCHEME (NATS)

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 Context: The Indian government has launched the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal and disbursed Rs 100 crore in stipends for apprentices, aiming to enhance employability through improved registration, application, and management of apprenticeships.

 About NATS 2.0 Portal

• The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal is a significant initiative launched by the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• The portal aims to streamline and enhance the apprenticeship system in India by providing a centralized platform for managing apprenticeship programs.
• The initiative includes the disbursement of Rs 100 crore in stipends to apprentices via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

 Objectives of NATS 2.0

• Enhance Employability: By providing structured training opportunities, the portal aims to equip young graduates and diploma holders with the skills needed for employability.
• Bridge Skill Gaps: The portal helps bridge the gap between academic education and industry requirements by facilitating practical, hands-on training.
• Expand Reach: It aims to democratize access to apprenticeships and widen the scope of opportunities available to candidates across various sectors.

 Key Features of NATS 2.0 Portal

• Centralized Platform: NATS 2.0 serves as a comprehensive platform for apprenticeships, covering various stages of the apprenticeship lifecycle. This includes:
  • • Student Registration: Allows students to register for apprenticeship programs.
    • Vacancy Advertisements: Enables industries to post available apprenticeship positions.
    • Student Applications: Facilitates the application process for apprentices.
    • Contract Creation: Manages the creation of apprenticeship contracts between students and employers.
    • Certification: Handles the certification process upon completion of the apprenticeship.
    • Stipend Disbursal: Manages the direct transfer of stipends to apprentices' bank accounts.
• Integration with DBT: The DBT mechanism ensures that stipends are directly transferred to the bank accounts of apprentices, improving efficiency and transparency in the distribution process.
• Support for Stakeholders: The portal supports various stakeholders including students, industries, educational institutions, and implementing bodies such as Boards of Apprenticeship Training (BoATs) and Boards of Practical Training (BoPT).

 Benefits of the Initiative

• Fair Distribution: Ensures a fair distribution of resources and opportunities among apprentices.
• Targeted Support: Policies and programs can be tailored to the needs of specific sub-groups, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of the training.
• Increased Accessibility: The portal is expected to attract a large number of beneficiaries, making apprenticeship opportunities more accessible.

 Challenges and Criticisms

• Administrative Complexity: Managing the various sub-categories and ensuring smooth operation of the portal can be complex.
• Political Resistance: There may be opposition from dominant SC groups or other stakeholders who feel disadvantaged by the new system.
• Legal Hurdles: Potential judicial challenges could arise if the sub-categorization process is perceived as unfair or discriminatory.

 Conclusion

• The launch of the NATS 2.0 Portal and the disbursement of Rs 100 crore in stipends represent significant steps towards improving apprenticeship opportunities and skill development in India. By leveraging technology, enhancing transparency, and fostering collaboration between industries and educational institutions, the government aims to create a more effective and inclusive apprenticeship system.

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 Source:

NDTV

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Analyze the role of apprenticeship schemes in addressing the skills gap in the labour market. How do these schemes contribute to job creation, and what are the challenges in aligning apprenticeship training with industry needs?