Spotlight on PM-PRANAM

- The Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers has disclosed details about the recently initiated PM-PRANAM during a Lok Sabha session.

- The acronym PM-PRANAM represents PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth.

- The scheme was introduced in the 2023-24 Budget by the Union government with significant motives:

- To support states/UT in promoting the sustainable and balanced use of fertilisers.

- To encourage the application of alternative fertilisers for greener environments.

- To advocate for organic and natural farming practices.

- A unique financial mechanism accompanies this initiative, in which states and UTs that demonstrate reduced chemical fertiliser usage compared to the average of the preceding three years will be rewarded with 50% of the savings from the fertiliser subsidy.

Unveiling of NATS 2.0 Portal

- The Union Minister for Education has initiated the National Apprenticeship and Training Scheme (NATS) 2.0 Portal in New Delhi.

- A staggering total of ₹100 crore in stipends was distributed to apprentices through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. 

- The NATS 2.0 portal has been devised by the Ministry of Education, with support from AICTE and BoATs/BoPT.

- It skillfully manages apprenticeship lifecycle activities, including student registration, vacancy advertisements, applications, contract creation, certification, and stipend disbursal, and thereby enhances the skill of youth and improves employability. 

- The portal also lends support to industries by aiding them in managing vacancies and contracts and equipping them to meet future challenges.

- The apprentices are receiving training in diverse sectors including IT/ITes, manufacturing, and automobiles.

Quick Facts on NATS

- NATS is one of the flagship programmes of the Indian Government aimed at skilling Indian youth in trade disciplines.

- The scheme, under the Apprentices Act 1961 (amended 1973), provides a platform for Graduate, Diploma students and Vocational certificate holders to gain practical, hands-on jobs based skilling opportunities. The training duration varies from 6 months to 1 year. 

- The introduction of NATS 2.0 displays the government's effort to democratise apprenticeships, address skills gaps, and meet the aspirations of Indian youth.