Apropos  the news item issued by NPCC (PCG) and published in Nagaland Post on 23.08.2023, regarding non -release of stipends for the sessions 2020-21, 2021-2022, 2022-223 to the trainees in Govt. ITI  of the  eight districts, the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has clarified that stipend for the session 2020-21 has already been released in a timely manner.

The stipend for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 could not be disbursed due to the Government of Nagaland, Finance Department's Circular NO.FIN/GEN/1/2019-20/49 dated 28/09/21, which directed that Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Schemes should be end- to -end digitalized, including online registration, computerized processing, and electronic payments directly into the beneficiary's bank account. To comply with this directive, the end -to- end digitalization of the Craftsmen Training Scheme Stipend (CTSS) is currently under development and onboarding in the Service Plus Portal with the National Informatics Center (NIC). The signing of an "Execution of Lease Deed Agreement for Sub-Authentication User Agency (Sub- AUA)" Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NIC which is a pre-requisite for the disbursement of stipends through DBT is already under submission.

In view of the above, NPCC (PGC) may like to be informed that the delay is not deliberate, but the Department is making every effort to expedite the process and disburse the stipend to the trainees at the earliest.

In case of any further doubts on the matter, the department shall be pleased to clarify.

(DIPR)