Intership / apprentiship program & statutory payment - Is there any exemption for statutory non-payment or govt will bear the cost?

Dear Folks, There is a scheme for Apprenticeship / Trainee as per new Labor laws. If we give a stipend, then we do not need to do a PF / ESI contribution and the entire money can be given to the employee.
Please share your inputs on the program and its process:
a) In Stipend part are we required to pay PF / ESI. Or
b) How to enrol for the scheme and create more employability opportunity through Apprenticeship / Trainee
c) Is there any exemption for statutory non-payment or govt will bear the cost?

Dear Friend,
1. There is no liability for paying PF or ESIC to Apprentice.
2. Please follow the link for registration Apprenticeship Home

Hi Shivam,
Could you please confirm if the program is conducted with an objective of later absorbing the apprentices as employees in your company. This is because if the training becomes job oriented then from the stipend, ESI deductions may be required, though PF deductions would not be required. PF deductions are conducted only on employee status.
Regards,
Nelson