Subject: Social Justice

India's 'Earn While You Learn' scheme represents a crucial intersection between education and employment, with enrollment under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme reaching 737,000 apprentices in 2022-23, marking a significant leap from just 35,516 in 2018-19.

Current Implementation Status

• The scheme has witnessed substantial budget allocation with the Skill Development Ministry's budget increasing to ₹6,017 crore for 2025-26, demonstrating government commitment towards skill development.
• Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have received dedicated funding of ₹3,000 crore for infrastructure upgradation and modernization.
• Implementation through various initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) has shown positive results.

Challenges in Current Framework

• Limited industry participation and inadequate infrastructure hamper effective implementation.
• Mismatch between industry requirements and training curriculum affects employability.
• Lack of standardization in training quality across different institutions.
• Insufficient awareness among potential beneficiaries about available opportunities.

Measures to Strengthen the Scheme

• Industry-Academia Partnership: Strengthen collaboration between educational institutions and industries through Sector Skill Councils.
• Infrastructure Development: Utilize the allocated ₹10,831 crore for new internship programs to create state-of-art training facilities.
• Quality Assurance: Implement robust monitoring mechanisms and standardized assessment frameworks.
• Digital Integration: Leverage technology through platforms like Skill India Digital Platform for better matching of skills with industry demands.
• Financial Incentives: Enhance stipend support and tax benefits for participating industries.

The success of 'Earn While You Learn' initiatives requires a multi-stakeholder approach, combining government support, industry participation, and educational institution commitment. With the right strengthening measures, these schemes can bridge the skill gap while providing meaningful employment opportunities to India's youth, ultimately contributing to the vision of "Skill India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat".