RBE No. 116/2025 – Enhancement of Stipend Rates for Act Apprentices in Indian Railways
The Railway Board has issued RBE No. 116/2025, announcing a significant update regarding the enhancement of stipend rates for Act Apprentices undergoing training in Indian Railways. This revision follows the latest amendments notified under G.S.R. 610(E) by the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
What Does RBE No. 116/2025 Announce?
As per the Gazette Notification G.S.R. 610(E) dated 03.09.2025, published on 11 September 2025, the stipend rates for Trade Apprentices engaged under the Apprentices Act, 1961 have been revised. The Railway Board has confirmed that these revised rates will apply from 11 September 2025, the date of publication of the notification.
This directive supersedes previous instructions issued under earlier RBEs, including:
- RBE No. 109/2007
- RBE No. 31/2011
- RBE No. 8/2014
- RBE No. 16/2015
- RBE No. 202/2019
Applicability of Revised Stipend Rates
The revised stipend for Act Apprentices is mandatory for:
- All Zonal Railways
- Production Units (PUs)
- Establishments engaging Trade Apprentices under the Apprentices Act
The expenditure on revised stipends must be managed within the existing budget allocation. No additional funds will be issued for implementation.
Legal & Administrative Basis
The revision is based on amendments made under:
- Apprenticeship Rules, 1992 (Amendment Rules 2025)
- Issued by MSDE vide Notification No. G.S.R. 610(E)
- Effective from 11 September 2025
The MSDE has also circulated the notification to all regional and state apprenticeship authorities for compliance and action within their jurisdictions.
Communication from MSDE
The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has instructed:
- All Regional Directors (RDSDEs/BoATS/BOPT)
- State Apprenticeship Advisors
- Joint Apprenticeship Advisors
to ensure strict compliance with the revised rules and stipend rates as notified.
Key Takeaway
With RBE No. 116/2025, Indian Railways officially implements the enhanced stipend rates for Trade Apprentices, aligning with the latest amendments approved by the Government of India. This step ensures improved financial support for apprentices and strengthens the skilled workforce development framework across the Railways.