4 National | Dated: 29 May 2025 In May 2025, the 38th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) recommended a 36% hike in stipend provided under two national schemes — National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS). 🎯 Key Highlights: - The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jayant Chaudhary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. - Once officially notified by the MSDE, the monthly stipend range under NAPS and NATS will be revised from the current ₹5,000–₹9,000 across five bands to a new range of ₹6,800–₹12,300. 💡 Other Important Facts: (i) CAC recommended that stipend rates be revised automatically every two years, based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), aligning with the July salary increment cycle. (ii) The council emphasized significant reforms to strengthen apprenticeship-integrated education and simplify existing policy frameworks under the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992. (iii) The CAC proposed replacing the outdated 1987 industry list with one aligned to the National Industrial Classification (NIC) Code 2008, ensuring better policy alignment with current industry structures. 📚 Test Your Knowledge: Recently, by what percentage did the 38th CAC meeting propose to increase the stipend for youth under NAPS and NATS? Correct Answer: 36% 🚀 Quick Recap: