Question : AMENDMENT OF APPRENTICESHIP ACT

(a) whether the Government has any proposal to amend Apprenticeship Act and expand it to inc- lude private sector as well for better skilled trainees, technicians and for their employment also;

(b) If so, the details and salient features of the proposed amendments;

(c) whether the Government has reached any ag- reement with private organisations in this re- gard and if so, the details thereof along with the objectives and target set; and

(d) the initiatives taken by the Government to promote apprenticeship in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Apprentices Act, 1961 has been amended and brought into effect from 22.12.2014 to provide necessary flexibility with safeguards, and facilitate wider participation of youth & the industry.

(c): The Apprentices Act, 1961 is applicable to all the establishments covered under the Act.

(d): The Government has taken various initiatives to promote apprenticeship in the country such as national awareness campaign, rationalizing the training modules of designated trades, permea- bility in higher education, portal based approval.