The Government is expected to make a policy statement on the On-the-Job Training (OJT) Programme, with Line Minister Barry Padarath saying that the intake of trainees must be better aligned with Ministries.
With more than 4,000 trainees currently enrolled in the programme, he assured that they will be allowed to complete their tenure.
“You would appreciate this programme now having come to the Ministry of Public Utilities we would need to look at Government policy as it relates to the policy that was enunciated by the Member for Fyzabad and align them to the needs right now. So we’re in the process of that, but as of now it is just roughly over 4,000, and therefore we will make a policy statement as the months precede in terms of additional take-ins into the programme.”
The Minister also said the programme’s paper-based application process needs to be modernised, revealing that a 20-foot container is being used to store application forms.
“The Permanent Secretary advised me when it came under the Ministry of Public Utilities that OJT is paying something like 2 to 3 million dollars to rent a 20-foot container to house all these application forms. I would not go into the details to tell you who owns this 20-foot container to get 2 to 3 million dollars annually.”
Minister Padarath said the Ministry of Public Utilities will work with the Ministry of Public Administration to digitise application records and introduce an online application system.
However, he noted some applications have been in the container for over five years, and those applicants may need to re-register.