Industrial units in Mandi told to appoint more apprentices

A meeting of the District-Level Apprenticeship Committee was held here today under the chairmanship of DC Apoorv Devgan. The meeting reviewed the progress of activities under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in the district and issued key directions for its more effective implementation.

Addressing the gathering, the DC emphasised that the apprenticeship scheme was a powerful tool for providing practical, hands-on training to the youth, thereby improving their employment prospects. He instructed all industrial units and institutions across the district, both in the public and private sectors, to participate in the scheme and appoint more apprentices.

To enhance awareness among the youth, he announced that a special awareness campaign would be launched throughout the district. He further said those institutions that have not yet enrolled apprentices under the scheme will be provided with the necessary guidance and support. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner also directed the immediate implementation of the revised monthly stipend rates for apprentices, as per the notification issued by the Central Government on September 3. The revised stipend structure is as follows: Class 5th to 9th pass candidates: Rs 6,800 per month (increased from Rs 5,000); Class 10th pass candidates: Rs 8,200 per month (increased from Rs 6,000); Class 12th pass or ITI holders: Rs 9,600 per month (increased from Rs 7,000); technical or vocational diploma holders: Rs. 10,900 per month (increased from Rs 8,000); and graduates: Rs 12,300 per month (increased from Rs 9,000)

Assistant Apprenticeship Adviser and Principal of ITI-Mandi, Ravinder Singh Banyal, presented a report on the progress of the apprenticeship scheme in the district. He said a total of 221 apprentices are currently undergoing training in Mandi district, with the majority being ITI pass-outs.