KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting in the Meeting Hall, DC Office Complex to review the progress of registration of establishments and engagement of apprentices under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in the district.
The meeting was convened to assess the current status of implementation of NAPS in establishments including educational institutions, Hydro Electric Power Projects, CPSE, CPSUs, State PSUs, MSMEs and other establishments in the private sector with regard to creating apprenticeship opportunities for the unemployed youth of the district.
The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the status of registration and engagement of apprentices by establishments and project authorities, including NHPC, Kiru HEP, Kwar HEP, L&T, Afcons, JPL and others, besides contractors of concerned departments and other associated establishments.
The DC directed all eligible establishments to strictly follow the statutory obligations under the apprenticeship framework and ensure compliance with the prescribed norms, including the applicable upper limit of 15 percent apprenticeship engagement provision under Apprentices Act 1961
Emphasizing the role of apprenticeships in providing practical skills and employment opportunities to local youth, the DC directed establishments to identify eligible trades and create maximum apprenticeship opportunities. He stressed that establishments should utilize the available provisions effectively; even establishments having 4 eligible personnel can create apprenticeship opportunities as per the applicable norms.
The Deputy Commissioner further directed that all government, private schools and other eligible institutions be registered under NAPS and ensure engagement of apprentices under their respective categories, wherever applicable. He also directed the registration of eligible establishments, hotels, health clinics and private nursing colleges. He stressed that eligible occupations, including bar salesman and other suitable categories of staff, should also be brought under the apprenticeship framework as per the applicable provisions.
The DC directed the concerned departments to submit updated lists indicating the total progress made in registration of establishments and engagement of apprentices. He further instructed the concerned officers and establishments to complete the pending registration process by tomorrow positively and generate apprenticeship contracts wherever eligible.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that concerted efforts by all stakeholders are essential to ensure that the benefits of NAPS reach a larger number of unemployed youth in Kishtwar district and provide them with opportunities for skill development, practical training and improved employability.
The meeting was attended by ADC Pawan Kotwal, GM DIC Mohsin Raza, ACD Manoj Kumar, CPO/DSEO Suresh Kumar Sharma, ALC Amit Kumar, HoP of HEPs and private educational institutions besides other officers and officials from various departments.
