The Business Factors News Desk
New Delhi, May 25, 2025: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will convene the 38th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) on 26th May 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The Council, reconstituted in October 2024 under the chairmanship of Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, Jayant Chaudhary, plays a pivotal role in advising the Government on key policies related to apprenticeship training across the country.
The last CAC meeting was held in June 2021. Since then, India’s apprenticeship landscape has evolved considerably, with over 43.47 lakh apprentices engaged across 36 states and union territories, with active participation from more than 51,000 establishments, enhanced outreach across districts and social groups, and renewed alignment with futuristic sectors through the PM-NAPS and NATS schemes.
The 38th CAC will deliberate on critical reforms, including:
Digital and virtual mode apprenticeship delivery
Integration of Degree Apprenticeships through rule amendments, including the introduction of new definitions to formally regulate Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP)
Provisions for the global deployment of apprentices at client sites
Enhanced stipend rates linked to inflation
Measures to support women, PwDs, and apprentices from NER
Institutional strengthening, includingthe setting up of new regional boards
The Council comprises representatives from central ministries, state governments, industry (public and private), academia, labour bodies, and technical experts. Notable members include chairpersons of BHEL, Indian Oil, Tata Group, Maruti Suzuki, Reliance Industries, NSDC, UGC, AICTE, and senior bureaucrats from ministries such as education, labour, MSME, railways, and textiles.
State apprenticeship advisors from ten key states and domain experts with experience in education, labour, and industry also serve on the council.
Ahead of the meeting, Jayant Chaudhary, Chairman of CAC and Minister of State (I/C), MSDE, stated: “The future of apprenticeships lies at the intersection of education, technology, and opportunity. As we prepare India’s youth for a dynamic and inclusive economy, this Council meeting will catalyze to unlock greater flexibility, global linkages, and institutional coherence in our apprenticeship framework. It is an important step in our journey toward a ‘Kushal Bharat, Viksit Bharat’.”
The meeting will begin at 10:30 AM at Vigyan Bhawan, with a keynote address by the minister, followed by discussions on proposed reforms and policy enhancements. Outcomes from the Council are expected to significantly shape India’s skilling priorities in the years ahead.
Earlier this week, MSDE launched a strategic Apprenticeship Scheme Pilot for the North Eastern Region (NER) in Aizawl, Mizoram, in the presence of Jayant Chaudhary and Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma. The initiative aims to boost apprenticeship adoption across all eight NER states by providing an additional ₹1,500/month stipend to over 26,000 youths, above the standard NAPS benefit. Backed by a dedicated outlay of ₹43.94 crore, including funds for awareness and capacity building, the scheme is being implemented by the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). It marks a significant step toward mainstreaming skilling opportunities in underserved geographies, promoting mobility, inclusion, and industry-readiness among youth in the region.
Source: A PIB report by Beena Yadav & Shahbaz Hasibi
