Question : APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

(a) the purpose of the Apprenticeship Training Scheme launched in 1959;

(b) whether India’s workforce has been growing by 12 million a year with most of them having no employable skills;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(d) whether about 500 trades and vocations are to be brought under the new scheme;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) whether the Government propose to raise the stipend to at least 70 per cent of the minimum wages for semi-skilled workers to make the Scheme more attractive for youth?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR STEEL, MINES AND LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI VISHNU DEO SAI)

(a) National Apprenticeship Scheme started in 1959 on voluntary basis to develop skilled manpower for the industry. The Apprentices Act was enacted in 1961 and came into force on 01.03.1962.

(b)to(c)As per National Sample Survey Organization, total labour force grew from 47.49 crore during 2009-10 to 48.47 crore during 2011-12 registering a growth of about 9.8 million during the period. During the financial year 2013-14, 14.80 lakh persons have been trained in vocational skills in various schemes run by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

(d) to (e) Designation of trades under the Act is a continuous process. Presently, 260 trades for trade apprentices, 126 trades for Graduate & Technician apprentices and 128 trades for Technician (Vocational) apprentices have been designated under the Act. It is also proposed to include 37 and 09 new subject fields as designated trades for Graduates and Technician apprentices & Technician (Vocational) apprentices respectively under the Act.

(f) Yes madam. Government has proposed that rates of stipend should be from 70% to 90% of the minimum wages for semi-skilled workers applicable in the States/ UTs from Year1 to Year3 respectively.