Education Minister Launches NATS 2.0 and Disburses Rs. 100 Crore Stipends

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 portal and disbursed Rs. 100 crore in stipends to apprentices via Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT). The initiative aims to enhance employability skills for young graduates and diploma holders across various sectors, including IT, manufacturing, and automobiles.

Key Features of NATS 2.0

• Portal Launch: The NATS 2.0 portal is designed to streamline apprenticeship opportunities, facilitating registration and application processes for a broad range of beneficiaries.
• Stipend Distribution: The stipends, amounting to Rs. 100 crore, are transferred directly to apprentices’ bank accounts through the DBT system, ensuring timely, efficient, and transparent delivery.
• Skill Development: The portal supports young individuals in acquiring employability skills and provides a guaranteed monthly stipend.

Minister’s Appeal and Objectives

• Wider Reach: The Union Minister urged educational institutions and industries to participate in the NATS 2.0 portal to maximize apprenticeship opportunities.
• Alignment with NEP 2020: The initiative is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes integrating vocational education with general education, thereby facilitating vertical and horizontal mobility for students.
• Guidelines for AEDP: Draft guidelines have been issued by UGC and AICTE for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) in alignment with NEP 2020 objectives.