Blitz Bureau
INDIA is actively recognising critical need to equip its youth with skills necessary to excel in today’s fast-paced economy. In line with this vision, the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme was launched on October 3 this year. This ambitious initiative, implemented through an online portal, aims to provide one crore young individuals with internship opportunities over the next five years, allowing them to immerse themselves in diverse business environments and explore a variety of professions.
Announced in the Union Budget for 2024- 25, the scheme kicked off with a pilot project for the financial year 2024-25, targeting 1.25 lakh internships. The internship opportunities span 24 sectors, including oil, gas, energy, travel, hospitality, automotive, and banking and financial services, etc. The companies for this pilot were identified based on their CSR expenditure over the past three years, ensuring that participants are placed in organisations that are committed to social and ethical practices.
Real-world exposure
What sets this scheme apart is its independence from existing skill development schemes, apprenticeships, and student training initiatives currently implemented across all states and Union Territories. By focusing solely on internships, the scheme seeks to create a tailored experience that enhances employability and provides young people with real-world exposure.
Through this effort, the Government aims to equip youth with the tools they need to thrive in the job market, fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of the future. The initiative reflects a commitment to nurturing talent and unlocking the potential of the next generation, contributing to the nation’s overall growth and development.
The pilot project offers a 12-month internship programme designed for youth aged 21 to 24 years, specifically for Indian nationals who are not employed full-time or engaged in full-time education. Candidates enrolled in online or distance learning programmes are eligible to apply. Candidates who have passed high school or higher secondary school or have a certificate from an ITI or a diploma from a polytechnic institute are eligible to apply. Graduates are also eligible.
Ineligible categories
The following categories are not illegible to apply for the scheme: graduates from IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISER, NIDs, and IIITs; holders of qualifications such as CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, or any master’s or higher degree; those undergoing skill, apprenticeships, internships, or student training under Central or state Government schemes; individuals who have completed apprenticeships under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) or the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS); if the income of any of the family members of the candidate exceeds Rs 8 lakh for FY2023- 24; and family members of permanent or regular Government employees.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has identified top 500 companies based on their average CSR expenditure over the last three years. Other companies, banks, or financial institutions can also participate with approval from the ministry, particularly if they represent underrepresented sectors. If a partner company cannot provide internship opportunities directly, it may collaborate with: companies in its forward and backward supply chain (e.g., suppliers, customers, vendors) and other companies or institutions within its group.
Financial assistance
Interns will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000 throughout the internship duration. It will include Rs 500 contributed by partner companies and the remaining Rs 4,500 will be provided by the Government. Additionally, a one-time grant of Rs 6,000 will be disbursed after joining the internship. All interns will be covered under the Government’s insurance schemes: Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, with the premium paid by the Government. Partner companies may also offer additional accidental insurance coverage.
The scheme is implemented through a centralised online portal. This portal manages the entire internship lifecycle, providing a dedicated dashboard for partner companies to post internship opportunities. Each posting includes details such as location, nature of the internship, minimum educational qualifications, and available facilities.
Eligible candidates must register on the portal, where a resume will be generated based on their information. They can browse and apply for up to five internships, selecting based on preferences like location, sector, functional role, and qualifications.
Shortlisting process
The portal facilitates a shortlisting process that considers candidates’ preferences alongside company requirements, with an emphasis on promoting diversity and social inclusivity. It prioritises representation from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and persons with disabilities.
For each internship, approximately two to three times the number of offers will be shortlisted and sent to the company for selection. Companies can then choose candidates based on their own criteria and processes. In conclusion, the internship scheme presents a valuable opportunity for youth to gain real-world experience while benefiting from financial support and comprehensive training. By partnering with leading companies across diverse sectors, the initiative aims to enhance employability and skills among participants.
With clear eligibility criteria and structured support through Direct Benefit Transfers, this programme not only fosters professional growth but also encourages active participation from businesses committed to corporate social responsibility. The launch of the portal stands as a significant step towards empowering the next generation of professionals in the country.
