Skill Development Legal Framework In India

Practical and theoretical training given to fresh learners to develop their professional or technical skill is called apprenticeship. The Indian apprenticeship system which is well established and supported by legislative and administrative arrangements regulates the training and protects the rights of apprentices in India. The rights of apprentices are protected under the Apprentices Act, 1961 ("Apprentices Act"). The Apprentices Act which surrounds the operation of apprenticeships in India is highly significant as it sets out the ways in which recruitment, training, conditions of work, contractual arrangements and compliances are organized.

The Apprentices Act in India was drawn up based on the principles of 'learning while earning' and 'learning by doing'. It envisaged to fully utilize the facilities available in the Indian industry for practical training with a view to meet the skilled manpower requirements of the industry. The apprentices under the Apprentices