Following the ‘Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana’ for women in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced a new scheme called ‘Ladka Bhau (beloved brother)’ under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Yuva Karya- Prashikshan Yojana’. This initiative offers on-the-job training along with a monthly stipend.
The CM made this announcement after performing a traditional ‘puja’ on the auspicious occasion of Aashadhi Ekadashi in Pandharpur.
He said that the government is committed to implementing the ‘Mukhya Mantri Yuva Karya-Prashikshan Yojana’ for fiscal 2024-25, aiming to enhance the employability of the state’s youth through practical work training following their education
The ambitious scheme, proposed by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar in the annual budget 2024-25, focuses on ‘Ladka Bhau’. This initiative follows the government’s announcement of the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, which provides monthly aid of Rs 1,500 (Rs 18,000 annually) to eligible women aged between 21 and 65 years.
After the announcement of the Ladki Bahin Yojana, the opposition questioned why the government had not proposed any scheme for brothers. In response, the government issued a Government Resolution, allocating an annual expenditure of Rs 10,000 crore for its implementation. This initiative aims to provide internship opportunities to unemployed youth and enhance their employability through practical training with entrepreneurs.
The Chief Minister clarified that the Mukhya Mantri Yuva Karya-Prashikshan Yojana is intended for Ladka Bhau, where trainees will receive a monthly stipend based on their educational qualifications. For Class 12th graduates, the stipend is Rs 6,000 per month; for ITI/Diploma holders, Rs 8,000 per month; and for Graduates/Postgraduates, Rs 10,000 per month. On-the-job training will be provided in both industrial and non-industrial establishments to 10 lakh youth annually. This initiative aims to offer employment opportunities to needy youth and supply trained manpower to industries. The on-the-job training will last six months, during which eligible candidates will receive a monthly stipend.
“Some people criticized the government after the Ladaki Bahin Yojana was introduced, asking what the government did for Ladka Bhau (beloved brother). I want to tell the critics that the government is looking after the beloved brothers too. Job-seeking candidates and employers providing employment will be connected through the website created under this initiative. Job-seeking candidates will gain practical work experience and enhance their training skills. Entrepreneurs will receive the manpower required for their industries through the Mukhya Mantri Yuva Karyaprashikshan Yojana. Candidates seeking employment and entrepreneurs seeking training will easily register on the department’s website,” said Shinde.
Candidates must be aged 18-35 and possess a minimum qualification of 12th Pass, ITI, Diploma, Degree, or Postgraduation to participate in the scheme. Students currently studying are not eligible. Other criteria include being a resident of Maharashtra, having Aadhaar registration, and a bank account linked to Aadhaar. Candidates must also register on the Commissionerate of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation’s web portal and obtain an employment registration number. Employers must operate in Maharashtra, be registered on the same portal, and have been established for at least three years. They should also be registered with RPF, ESIC, GST, DPIT, and Udyog Aadhar, and possess a certificate of incorporation.