‘Earn while you learn’ scheme needs to be strengthened to make vocational education and skill training meaningful.’ Comment. (Answer in 150 words)

Earn-while-learning combines classroom instruction with paid practical exposure, improving employability and reducing the theory–practice gap.

Value

• Apprenticeships build occupational competence, work discipline and employer networks.
• Income reduces opportunity cost for poor learners and can raise dignity of vocational pathways.
• Industry feedback keeps curricula aligned with technology and labour demand.

Strengthening measures

• Expand apprenticeships among MSMEs, ensure stipends and prevent substitution of regular workers.
• Standardise qualifications through NSQF, credit portability and independent assessment.
• Provide counselling, safety, inclusion of women and disadvantaged groups, and placement tracking.

Keywords: constitutional values; governance; public institutions; accountability; inclusive development.