Wages and Benefits for Trainees Other Than Apprentices
Trainees, other than apprentices engaged through the RI centers following the provisions of the Apprentice Act, should be paid wages as per the minimum wages applicable to your industry. Such trainees should also be given ESI, PF, bonus, and other benefits like leave and overtime allowances. Their period of service as trainees should be counted for the purpose of deciding and calculating the amount of gratuity in case they leave your organization after 5 years, including this training period. In case your establishment has certified standing orders, then their service conditions shall be as per the standing orders. Such trainees are excluded from the coverage of EPF, but they are to be given ESI.
Stipend for Apprentices Under the Apprentice Act
For trainees taken as apprentices under the Apprentice Act, the stipend is notified by the Government of India. Please follow those rates.
Regards,
Madhu.T.K