Discontinuation of NEEM Scheme - Team Lease Education Foundation permitted to continue the scheme for existing students - Delhi High Court
Source: Labour Law Reporter Feb 23
* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
+ W.P.(C) 1589/2023 and CM APPL. 6039/2023
TEAM LEASE EDUCATION FOUNDATION ..... Petitioner
Through: Mr. S.K. Gupta, Advocate.
versus
UNION OF INDIA & ORS. ..... Respondents
Through: Mr. Anil Soni (CGSC) with Mr.
Devvrat Yadav, Advocate for UOI.
CORAM:
JUSTICE PRATHIBA M. SINGH
O R D E R
07.02.2023
1. This hearing has been done through hybrid mode.
2. The Petitioner- Team Lease Education Foundation, a National
Employability Enhancement Scheme (NEEM) agent, who was recognised
by the Government of India, has challenged the impugned order dated 23rd
December, 2022 by which NEEM has been discontinued, with immediate
effect. The said order issued by the Technical Section-II, Department of
Higher Education, Ministry of Education and communicated to the
Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) reads as:
Subject: National Employability Enhancement Scheme
(NEEM) - regarding
Sir, I am directed to refer to AICTE letter F. No. 3-
1/D-SDC/NEEM/2021 dated 11.08.2022 regarding
revised draft NEEM guidelines forwarded to the
Ministry for consideration and to convey that it has
been decided to discontinue the Scheme with
immediate effect.
2. In light of the above, AICTE is requested to close the
above scheme with immediate effect.
3. The Petitioner challenges the above decision of the Respondents to
discontinue the NEEM scheme and the resulting letter dated 23rd December,
2022.
4. The case of the Petitioner is that under the NEEM scheme, which was
notified on 15th April, 2013, in the Gazette of India, training is imparted to
students in various skills to enable them to secure employment. The purpose
of the NEEM Scheme is to facilitate upskilling and make Indian youth ready
for employment in various industries.
5. The case of the Petitioner is that in view of the impugned order/letter,
as per the Petitioner, more than 26,000 students who are receiving training
would be impacted. Considering the large scale impact of the impugned
letter dated 23rd December, 2022, Mr. Anil Soni, ld. Counsel would seek
instructions in the matter.
6. In the meantime, it is made clear that the Petitioner shall make no
fresh admissions. However, considering the fact that the NEEM Scheme has
been in operation for the last decade or so, the sudden stoppage of the
scheme could result in adverse impact on those who are already enrolled.
Accordingly, the students currently enrolled with the Petitioner shall
continue to receive the training as also any certifications that would
otherwise have been given to them under the NEEM Scheme.
7. The Court also directs a responsible official from the concerned
Ministry to remain present in Court on the next date of hearing.
8. List on 24th February, 2023.
PRATHIBA M. SINGH, J.
FEBRUARY 7, 2023
dj/am
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