Growing Apprenticeship Opportunities: Recent Manifesto Promises from Political Parties

Growing Apprenticeship Opportunities: Recent Manifesto Promises from Political Parties

A notable consensus has emerged across the political spectrum as India eagerly awaits the results of the 2024 general elections on June 4. This consensus emphasizes the critical significance of apprenticeships in empowering the nation's youth and bolstering the workforce. The main political parties' manifestos emphasize their mutual commitment to empowering the youth. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), The Indian National Congress (Congress), and other significant parties that are members of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) all recognize the critical role of apprenticeships in the development of skills and the creation of job opportunities. For instance, in the past, apprenticeships have led to a significant reduction in youth unemployment and a boost in the overall productivity of the workforce.

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The current ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has consistently emphasized the need to strengthen the Apprenticeship Ecosystem. Under the?National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme 2.0 (NAPS 2.0), the government has allocated a substantial budget of??1,942 crore?from FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26. Their target is to enroll?46 lakh apprentices?during these four years. The BJP's commitment extends beyond mere rhetoric, as they actively facilitate financial support to employers through the?Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)?model. This model ensures that the stipend amount is directly transferred to the apprentices' bank accounts, eliminating any delays or intermediaries and ensuring timely stipend disbursement.

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The Indian National Congress (INC)?is committed to introducing the Right to Apprenticeship Act, ensuring that every diploma holder or college graduate below 25 receives a one-year apprenticeship with either a private or a public sector company. These apprenticeships, with a stipend of ?1 lakh per year, will not only impart essential skills and enhance employability but also create full-time job opportunities for millions of youth, providing tangible benefits to the workforce.

The National Congress Party(NCP)?is committed to broadening avenues for vocational training and apprenticeships, recognizing that our youth should not merely be job-seekers but also job creators. As part of this commitment, the NCP proposes the following Guaranteed Apprenticeship Initiative:

Right to Apprenticeship:

Every graduate and diploma holder below the age of?25 years?will have the?Right to Apprenticeship.

Companies will be?mandated?to accept apprentices for?one year.

Apprentices will receive a stipend of??1 Lakh, which the government and companies will share.

Other?major political parties?have also echoed similar sentiments, with pledges to enhance vocational training and create a more inclusive apprenticeship ecosystem that caters to the diverse needs of India's young population.

The convergence of views on apprenticeships across party lines clearly indicates its importance in the national discourse. It is not just about creating jobs but about shaping a future that is resilient, skilled, and capable of driving India's growth story forward.

As we approach the election results, it is vital for us, as professionals and citizens, to acknowledge and endorse these initiatives. The emphasis on apprenticeships in political manifestos promises a brighter future where every young Indian has the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to the success of our country. Your support is crucial in making this vision a reality, underscoring your role in shaping the future of youth empowerment in India.

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