The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has notified sweeping amendments to the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, doubling the minimum stipend for apprentices to Rs 12,300 per month from the earlier Rs 6,800 and ushering in a set of reforms to expand opportunities and improve inclusivity.
The reforms, cleared at the 38th meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council chaired by skills development minister Jayant Chaudhary, aim to incentivise both employers and young aspirants to take up apprenticeship training.
One of the key changes is the introduction of degree apprenticeships, integrating apprenticeship as a formal component within academic curricula. The new rules also open doors to remote or virtual apprenticeship training, broaden the coverage of industries under the framework, expand the role of regional boards, and make provisions for greater inclusion of persons with benchmark disabilities.
The notification mandates every establishment to engage apprentices amounting to between 2.5 per cent and 15 per cent of its total workforce, including contractual staff. Importantly, at least 5 per cent of these slots must be reserved for fresher apprentices and skill certificate holders. If these seats remain vacant, they may be reallocated to other categories of apprentices with approval from the apprenticeship adviser.
Further, the new rules stipulate a minimum one-year gap between two apprenticeship trainings, provided the earlier training is completed. No gap will be required if the previous apprenticeship was terminated due to failure. |
