Itanagar, Apr 17: Arunachal Pradesh Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Nyato Dukam emphasized the importance of skill-based education and the need to promote the dignity of labour among youth during an awareness workshop held in Itanagar on Friday.

The workshop was organised by the Department of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship under a special pilot initiative of the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS). It was aimed at Papum Pare district and marked the ninth such programme conducted in the state during the current financial year.

Addressing the event, Dukam said that in a competitive job market, employability depends significantly on skills, and lack of training often limits opportunities in the industry. He encouraged young people to consider entrepreneurship alongside job seeking and referred to various central and state schemes supporting skill development, self-employment, and financial independence.

He stated that such initiatives are intended to support the development of a skilled workforce aligned with broader goals of “Kaushal” and “Viksit Bharat.”

Advisor Mohesh Chai also addressed the participants, stressing the need for a shift in mindset due to limited government job opportunities and highlighting vocational trades such as plumbing, electrical work, and mechanics as viable career options.

PM-NAPS nodal officer Gyati Kacho explained that the scheme follows an industry-linked model that provides practical training in workplaces for a wide range of candidates, including those beyond Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students. He described the programme as a key initiative to improve employability and industry absorption.

The workshop also included discussions on the Chief Minister’s Soft Loan Scheme (CMSLS), which offers collateral-free loans of up to ₹3 lakh to ITI pass-outs for income-generating activities, along with subsidies. A Foreign Language Training Programme was also presented, aimed at facilitating overseas employment opportunities in sectors such as healthcare and hospitality, with government support for training and travel.

Around 90 participants attended the event, including students from ITI Yupia and Sagalee, Dera Natung Government College, Rajiv Gandhi Polytechnic, and former ITI trainees. Training providers and third-party aggregators also presented available opportunities, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session.