POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS–PRAGATI) in the district.
The meeting was attended by ADC Tahir Mustafa Malik, PO ICDS, Fareed Kohli, General Manager District Industries Centre, Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner Development, Chief Education Officer, CEO Municipal Council, officers from JPDCL, AD FCS & CA, Labour Department, Handicrafts/Handloom, Youth Services & Sports, besides other concerned officers.
The DC reviewed the progress towards the set target of 595 apprenticeship engagements. He stressed the need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to achieve the target. “The main objective of NAPS–PRAGATI is to provide meaningful engagement to youth through practical training, skill development and workplace exposure, thereby enhancing their employability,” he emphasized.
Stress was laid on registration of maximum eligible companies, establishments and units under the scheme and creating adequate apprenticeship opportunities for local youth.
“The Education and Employment Departments need to take a lead in facilitating the registration of students from Higher Secondary Schools, Government Degree Colleges, Polytechnic College and IITs,” he maintained.
The DC further stressed that proper training must precede work engagement, directing participating establishments to provide structured, practical and industry-oriented training to apprentices. He called for regular monitoring, proper documentation and timely action to ensure that the apprenticeship programme delivers tangible benefits to the youth.
