Cabinet approves `10,000-cr scheme to train 50 lakh apprentices by 2020

 The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. The scheme would be implemented by Director General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

 It is for the first time a scheme like this has been designed to offer financial incentives to employers to engage apprentices. In addition, it also supports basic training, which is an essential component of apprenticeship exercise. 

Fifty per cent of the total expenditure incurred on providing basic training would be supported by the government. As per an official statement, 25 per cent of the total stipend payable to an apprentice would be shared with employers directly by the government.

  “The scheme will catalyse the entire apprenticeship ecosystem in the country and it will offer a win-win situation for all stakeholders. It is expected to become one of the most powerful skill-delivery vehicle in the country,” the statement said.

Talking to reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the government’s focus was on job creation and skill development. He said 17 mobile phone manufacturers have started making their devices in India. 

Central public sector units were providing only 36,000 apprenticeship while those in the states were apprenticising 1.8 lakh.