Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launches NATS 2.0 Portal

Tags: National News

Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education, launched the NATS 2.0 Portal in New Delhi.

An Overview of the News

• ₹100 crore in stipends were disbursed to apprentices via the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) mode.

Apprenticeship Sectors:

• Training is offered in IT/ITes, manufacturing, automobile, and other sectors.

NATS 2.0 Portal Features:

• Designed to enhance the Government’s focus on youth skilling and employability.

• Aims to facilitate apprenticeship registration, application, and management for both candidates and establishments.

Industry Recognition:

• Top three establishments recognized: Cognizant Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd., Infosys Ltd., and Tech Mahindra Pvt. Ltd.

Stipend Distribution:

• Stipends are paid directly to apprentices’ bank accounts via DBT to ensure efficiency and transparency.

NATS 2.0 Portal Development:

• Developed by the Ministry of Education with AICTE and BoATs/BoPT support.

• Manages the apprenticeship lifecycle, including registration, vacancy advertisements, student applications, contract creation, certification, and stipend disbursal.

Alignment with NEP 2020:

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to integrate vocational and general education.

• Draft guidelines for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) issued by UGC and AICTE.