Current Affairs-Topics

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.

More Related Articles

Energy Transition Index 2025

The Energy Transition Index 2025, released by the World Economic Forum energy report, offers a critical view of how countries are progressing in shifting towards a sustainable, secure, and equitab

India-Iran Evacuation 2025

The India-Iran evacuation 2025 stands as one of the most significant international developments in recent times. With the sudden escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran, the Government o

C-DOT Samarth Program

The C-DOT Samarth Program has become a significant government-led initiative in India’s efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the telecom and ICT sectors. This program is

Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal

India is rapidly improving its transport and logistics infrastructure to support economic growth and faster connectivity. A major step in this direction is the launch of the Gati Shakti Multi-M

Yashasvi Solanki Indian Navy

In a historic development in the Indian Armed Forces, Yashasvi Solanki Indian Navy officer, aged 27, has become the first female ADC in India. She was formally appointed as the Aide-de-Camp (A

Narendra Modi Kutch Speech

The Narendra Modi speech in Kutch, delivered in May 2025, days after the successful Operation Sindoor, has become a landmark moment in Indian political and strategic discourse. F

16th Census of India 2027

The 16th Census of India 2027 is a historic and strategic national event that every SSC aspirant must be familiar with. Scheduled in two phases, this census marks the first time since 1931 that

EV Technician Course in India

On June 13, 2025, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Shell India, launched a structured EV technician course in India to empower youth with indust

ICMR AI Guidelines 2025

The ICMR AI Guidelines 2025 are a crucial step toward regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in the Indian healthcare sector. Issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (IC

Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0

The Jan Vishwas Bill 2.0 is one of the most important regulatory reforms introduced in the Union Budget 2025–26. It expands upon the original Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, aiming to decriminaliz

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham