What is Apprentice Act 1961?
Object of the Act:
Apprentice Act 1961 Promotion of New manpower at skills. Improvement/refinement of old skills through theoretical and practical training in numberof trades and occupation.
Applicability of the Act:
According to Sec.1 Areas and industries as notified by the Central Government.
Qualification for being trained as an Apprentice:
Sec 3. A Person cannot be an apprentice in any designated trade unless
- He is not more than 14 years of age;
- He satisfies such standard of education and physical fitness as may be prescribed.
Period of Apprenticeship:
Training to be determined by the National Council.
Contract of Apprenticeship:
According to Sec.4 To contain such terms and conditions as may be agreed to by the apprentice, or his guardian (in case he is a minor) and employers.
Obligations of ApprenticeTo learn his trade conscientiously, diligently.To attend practical and instructional classes regularly.To carry out all lawful orders.To carry out his contractual obligations.
Health Safety & Welfare measures for Apprentices
As per Factories Act or Mines Act as the case may be when undergoing training.
Hours of Work42 to 48 in a week while on theoretical training.42 in a week while on basic training.42 to 45 in a week in second year of training.As per other workers (in the third year).Not allowed to work between 10 PM to 04 AM unless approved by Apprenticeship Advisor.Leave and Holidays
- Casual Leave for the maximum period of 12 days in a year.
- Medical Leave for the maximum period of 15 days and the accumulated leave up to 40 days in a year.
- Extraordinary leave upto a maximum period of 10 days in a year.
Sec.15
The employer to pay such stipend at a rate of not less than prescribed minimum rate as may be specified.
Sec.6
Employer’s liability to pay compensation for injuryAs per provisions of Workmen’s Compensation Act.
Sec.16
Offences & Punishment
Imprisonment of a term upto 6 months or with fine when employer
- Engages as an apprentice a person who is not qualified for being so engaged or
- fails to carry out the terms and conditions of a contract of apprenticeship, or
- contravenes the provisions of the Act relating to the number of apprentices which he is required to engage under those provisions.
Sec.30 & 31