The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has announced an upward revision of the minimum stipend payable to apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961, effective from 11th September 2025. The official notification was issued from New Delhi on 19th September 2025, providing clarity on implementation procedures for establishments.
Key Highlights of the Notification:
- Effective Date: The revised stipend is applicable from 11th September 2025.
- Applies To: All apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
- Issued By: Apprenticeship Training Division, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship.
Clarifications for Employers
To ensure a smooth transition, the ministry has issued the following implementation clarifications for establishments:
1. Establishments Using VAN Payment Functionality (Portal Route)
- For September 2025, such establishments may pay at the pre-revised rate.
- Since the portal currently does not support arrear payments, employers must directly transfer the arrears to the apprentices’ bank accounts.
- From October 2025, the portal’s payroll page will only be accessible once the revised stipend functionality is implemented.
2. Establishments Not Using VAN (Manual Payment Route)
- If the payroll for September 2025 has already been prepared, establishments may continue with the pre-revised rate.
- However, arrears must be paid separately and directly to the apprentices’ bank accounts at a later stage.
Timely Payment of Stipend
The ministry reminded all establishments of Rule 11(3) of the Apprenticeship Rules, 1992, which mandates:
“Stipend for a given month must be paid by the 10th of the following month, and only through bank transfer to the apprentice’s account.”
What’s Next?
While the portal is being updated to incorporate the revised stipend structure, establishments are urged to ensure compliance by maintaining timely payments and clearing arrears as per the clarification.
This revision comes as part of the government’s continued efforts to strengthen vocational training and support skilled youth, ensuring fair compensation for apprentices across the country.