Dharmendra Pradhan launched the NATS 2.0 Portal

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal, which will disburse Rs 100 crore in stipends to apprentices through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) across sectors such as IT, manufacturing, and automobile.

Launch of NATS 2.0 Portal and Stipend Disbursement

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal.
Rs 100 crore in stipends disbursed to apprentices through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Beneficiaries include apprentices in IT/ITes, manufacturing, automobile, and other sectors.
The initiative aligns with the government's focus on skilling and improving youth employability.
NATS 2.0 portal designed for easy registration and application for apprenticeships.
Enables establishments and industries to manage vacancies and contracts efficiently.

Features and Benefits of NATS 2.0

One-stop solution for managing the entire apprenticeship lifecycle.
Facilitates student registration, vacancy advertisements, and application processes.
Supports contract creation, certification, and reporting.
Integrates stipend disbursement through DBT.
Accessible to students, industries, institutions, and implementing bodies (BoATs/BoPT).
Aims to democratize apprenticeships and bridge the skills gap.
Expected to support a large number of young graduates and diploma holders in gaining employability skills.
Guarantees monthly stipends for apprentices.

Government's Vision for Apprenticeships and Skill Development

Minister Pradhan emphasized the need for education beyond traditional degrees.
Focus on building competencies and increasing employability skills in course curricula.
Call for a comprehensive strategy to harness India's demographic dividend.
Apprenticeship ecosystem encouraged to cover diverse and emerging areas.
Appeal to all educational institutions and industries to join NATS 2.0 portal.
Aim to make apprenticeships a mass movement in India.
Aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's goal of mainstreaming vocational education.
Supports the integration of general and vocational education for vertical and horizontal student mobility.

Implementation and Future Directions

DBT system introduced in 2024 for efficient and transparent stipend distribution.
Government aims to extend DBT to all beneficiaries of the scheme.
NATS 2.0 portal developed in-house by the Ministry of Education with support from AICTE and BoATs/BoPT.
Draft guidelines issued by UGC and AICTE for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP).
Two panel discussions held on the future of apprenticeships, covering topics like:
- Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programs
- Credits for all apprenticeships
- Industry and Higher Education collaboration
- Leveraging technology for DBT and strengthening e-Governance
Recognition of top establishments/industries in apprenticeship programs.

The 52nd Chief Justice of India

The official appointment of Justice BR Gavai as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 14, 2025, is a momentous occasion for a variety of reasons. From legal buffs to UPSC aspirants to the gener

A ₹3,706 Cr Vision for UP’s Growth

2025 appears to be a pivotal year for the electronics and manufacturing sector in India, with Uttar Pradesh being particularly affected. As their 2025 development plans gain momentum, the Indian g

The Rise of Female Entrepreneurs in India

India’s startup boom is reshaping industries, and thankfully, it’s opening doors for female entrepreneurs in India to become job creators, leaders, and change-makers. However, despite

India’s Economy Needs a Reboot

Sabeer Bhatia on India’s Economy Commonly understood as the foundation of economic growth measures, an Indian IT visionary is challenging the fundamental basis of this perspective. When Sab

India’s University Vacancies in 2025 Explained

India's university system is undergoing significant changes with the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. Many respected companies still lack a permanent chief executive offic

Mahabodhi Temple Controversy Heats Up in 2025

Mahabodhi Temple Controversy: What You Need to Know Every day brings with it new debates and developments. But some controversies go deeper—touching not just legal or political aspects, b

Indian Railways and the RTC Power Mode

Indian Railways' Green Shift with RTC Power Model The Indian Railways is not just a lifeline for millions—it’s now becoming a beacon of sustainability. With a sharp focus on

India's Defence Exports in 2024-2025

Record Growth in Defence Exports In the financial year 2024-25, India's defence exports in 2024-2025 reached a historic milestone of ₹23,622 crore (approximately US$2.76 billion), marking a

New Waqf Bill 2025

Waqf Bill 2025 Introduced in Parliament The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced in New Delhi by Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju in April 2025, was intensely debated in the

NHAI Hikes Toll Charges by 4-5%

NHAI Hikes Toll Charges by 4-5% Across National Highways April 1, 2025: Commuters on national highways will now have to pay higher toll fees as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) hik