Mukhyamantri Shiksha Protsahan Yojana is a scheme of the Yogi Government in Uttar Pradesh aimed at promoting apprenticeship training and improving employment opportunities for young people. The scheme seeks to connect education with practical workplace experience by encouraging more establishments to engage apprentices.Introduced in 2020–21, the scheme provides an additional Rs 1,000 per month per eligible apprentice as the state government’s contribution. This is in addition to the assistance available under the Government of India’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). Under applicable NAPS provisions, the combined government support can go up to Rs 2,500 per month per apprentice.The scheme is designed to benefit both young people and employers. Apprentices get an opportunity to learn in an actual workplace, where they can acquire practical knowledge, technical skills, professional discipline and an understanding of industry requirements. This experience can make the transition from education to employment smoother.For employers, the government assistance helps reduce part of the cost associated with engaging apprentices. It also encourages industries, manufacturing units, service establishments and other eligible organisations to create more apprenticeship opportunities and participate in skill development.The scheme is particularly relevant for diploma holders, graduates and other eligible youth looking for practical experience and an entry point into the workplace. Apprenticeship allows them to learn while gaining exposure to real working conditions, machinery, technology and industry practices.The scheme initially had a budget provision of Rs 100 crore in 2020–21, with a target of providing apprenticeship opportunities to around 85,000 young people. Subsequent support has continued the focus on expanding apprenticeship and workplace-based training, including opportunities for diploma and graduate-level candidates.The Mukhyamantri Shiksha Protsahan Yojana is part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader efforts to strengthen skill development, vocational education, industry participation and employment-oriented training. By encouraging establishments to take on apprentices, the scheme helps create a stronger link between educational institutions, skilled manpower and industry.In nutshell Introduced: 2020–21State assistance: Rs 1,000 per month per eligible apprenticeCentral support: Up to Rs 1,500 per month under applicable NAPS provisionsPotential combined support: Up to Rs 2,500 per month per apprenticeInitial budget provision: Rs 100 croreInitial target: Around 85,000 apprenticeship opportunitiesFocus: Practical training, skill development and employabilityBeneficiaries: Eligible apprentices, including diploma and graduate-level candidatesEmployers: Eligible industries and establishments participating in apprenticeship training
