Germany for tax incentives for pvt participation in skill dev

Amid the government's thrust on skill development, Germany today pushed for "concessions" in the form of tax incentives besides legislative reforms to encourage private participation.
German Ambassador Michael Steiner also sought necessary legal framework clarifying the responsibilities and participation of stakeholders in the skilling initiative.
"Concessions in the form of tax incentives should also be extended to encourage private participation", he said addressing a conference on skill development in presence of Minister of State for Skill Development Sarbananda Sonowal.
His comments came when Sonowal sought Germany's participation in meeting India's target in the skilled people.
"There is no dual approach without the necessary legal framework clarifying the responsibilities and participation of all stakeholders," Steiner said.

He said the new focus on skill development and vocational education and training is set into a broader field of innovation and reforms and strengthening of MSMEs and greater involvement of private sector.

He pushed for "reforms in Apprentices Act to set clear goals and adequate standards" in the skilling initiatives.
The Indo-German ties in the field of vocational education and training is the outcome of a high ranking joint working group set by both the nations in 2007.
Steiner in particular pointed to the dual system of vocational education and training followed in his country and said "it was the secret to our strong competitiveness in manufacturing".

Stating that vocational training is a high priority area between India and Germany, he suggested adoption of a similar dual system here.
While 30,0000 Indian need a job everyday, only about two per cent of the workforce is formally skilled, he said.