Uttar Pradesh expands apprenticeship scheme for graduates to bridge skill gap

Uttar Pradesh cabinet expands apprenticeship scheme for graduates

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has taken a significant step towards bridging the gap between academic qualifications and practical job opportunities. The Chief Minister's Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (Higher Education) is now being extended to include all graduates, aiming to provide them with valuable skills aligned with employment needs. This initiative, driven by the vision of connecting diploma and degree holders with meaningful employment through skill development, has been met with enthusiasm.

Increased stipend and broader scope

One of the notable changes is the increase in the stipend provided to participants, now set at Rs 9,000 per month. This financial support serves as an incentive for graduates to engage in apprenticeships, enhancing their practical knowledge and employability. The funding structure is collaborative: the state government contributes Rs 1,000, while the central government and entrepreneurs jointly provide the remaining amount. These entrepreneurs, who guide and mentor apprentices, play a vital role in this innovative approach.

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The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 100 crore for the implementation of this scheme. The announcement of these advancements was made during a media briefing by Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna and Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, held at the Media Center Hall of Lok Bhavan.

Expanding opportunities and enriching the workforce

Finance Minister Suresh Khanna emphasized that while apprenticeships were previously focused on diploma holders, the revised scheme welcomes graduates from diverse streams. This transformative initiative aims to extend the benefits of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) to a wider pool of individuals, encouraging the active participation of private institutions. It is projected that around 10 lakh young people could benefit from this visionary endeavor in the upcoming year, thus enhancing their employability prospects.

In terms of the financial structure, Khanna elaborated that participants in the Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 9,000. The government of India will contribute 50 percent of this amount, which equals Rs 4,500, while entrepreneurs will contribute Rs 3,500. The remaining Rs 1,000 will be provided by the Uttar Pradesh government.

This initiative provides an opportunity for non-technical diploma holders and graduates to engage in a year-long journey of employment, contributing to their skill set and overall professional growth. Simultaneously, private and public institutions are poised to benefit from a pool of skilled and knowledgeable individuals, aligning with the demands of the job market and fostering economic development.

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