Rajya Sabha gives nod to Apprentice (Amendment) Bill, 2006

New Delhi, Aug 30 (UNI) Cutting across the political spectrum, the Rajya Sabha today unanimously passed the Apprentice (Amendment) Bill, 2006 to help in the training of apprentices and facilitate the industry in giving them gainful employment.

Minister of State for Labour Oscar Fernandes assured the members of the Upper House that their suggestions were very valuable and would be taken into consideration while giving a final shape to the bill.

Replying to a debate, he said that the Bill was presented to the House with a limited purpose as some amendments were necessary.

Mr Fernandes said the handicapped must get reservation in jobs.

He said after training the skilled people would be absorbed in the industry.

The Minister again assured the House that all stakeholders will sit together and the representatives of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes will also be consulted.

He called for investing in skill-building and make the youth employable as the country needs the skilled people.

Eds: Pls pick up suitably from earlier series.

UNI