Staff Reporter

Panaji

In a major move to address the unemployment issue by up-skilling the youth, the state government has approved the ‘Goa Chief Minister’s Apprenticeship Policy for Government Establishment-2023.’

The policy aims to supplement the efforts of the directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to bring more government, autonomous, and public-sector establishments into the realm of apprenticeship training.

Under the policy, all state government establishments, autonomous bodies, and public-sector undertakings covered by the Apprentice Act of 1961, including government departments, will be subject to its provisions. The target is to train 5,000 apprentices annually across various sectors with an estimated budget of approximately Rs 78 crore allocated for its implementation.

To ensure fair selection, the government establishments will prioritise trainees based on first-come-first-serve basis, taking into account factors such as proximity of residence and other relevant considerations.

The policy promises several benefits to apprentices, including increased engagement opportunities in government departments, autonomous bodies, and public-sector establishments. Furthermore, it aims to expand the coverage of government departments under the Apprentice Act, 1961, thereby facilitating the training of more apprentices.

Government establishment, including departments, will be required to engage apprentices within a range of 2.5% to 15% of its total sanctioned strength, excluding the contractual staff. However, a minimum of 5% of the total strength must be reserved for fresh apprentices and skill certificate holders in cases where 15% of the total strength is engaged as apprentices.