In a significant policy update, the Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region) has announced the complete transition of stipend payments to apprentices from the reimbursement model to the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode, starting October 2025.
This move aligns with the Government of India’s broader directive to streamline and digitize financial transactions across public schemes. The shift aims to ensure greater transparency, efficiency, and direct benefit delivery to apprentices across establishments registered under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS).
🔑 Key Highlights of the Notice:
- Effective Date:
The new DBT system will be enforced starting October 1, 2025. From this date, no stipend reimbursement claims will be entertained. - 100% Transition to DBT:
All training establishments must pay stipends directly to apprentices’ bank accounts through the DBT mode. Reimbursement method will be discontinued entirely. - RoP Submission Requirement:
Establishments must raise the Request of Payment (RoP) for DBT within the concurrent month.
Example: For October 2025 stipends, RoP must be submitted within November 2025. - No Reimbursement Support Post-October 2025:
BOPT (ER) will not be liable to process or pay any stipend via reimbursement for October 2025 or later. - Action Required from Establishments:
All concerned establishments must:- Ensure readiness for DBT implementation.
- Submit RoP in a timely manner through the NATS portal.
- Contact the DBT Cell of BOPT (ER) for any clarifications or support during this transition.
📢 Message from BOPT (ER):
“We extend our warm greetings to all our establishment partners and urge them to take proactive steps to ensure a smooth and timely shift to the DBT mode of stipend disbursal. This is a key step toward a more transparent and accountable apprenticeship system.”
🧭 What Should Establishments Do Now?
- Update internal processes to support DBT disbursement.
- Verify bank details of apprentices for accurate transfers.
- Train staff involved in stipend processing on the new DBT process.
- Coordinate with BOPT (ER) DBT Cell for any technical or procedural assistance.