The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme has officially launched, providing over 80,000 internship opportunities across 737 districts in India. This initiative targets youth aged 21-24, offering hands-on experience in various sectors and enhancing skills and employability for those facing challenges in securing full-time jobs.
Key Details of the Internship Scheme
Scope and Reach:
The scheme is set to provide internships to one crore youth over five years. Recently launched, the registration portal has been activated, and internship opportunities are available nationwide. States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh account for over 56% of the available positions, with Maharashtra alone offering more than 10,000 internships.
Sectors and Opportunities:
Internships are being offered across 24 key sectors, including oil, gas, energy, automotive, manufacturing, hospitality, and banking. The leading sectors in terms of available positions are:
- Oil, Gas, and Energy – Over 25,000 opportunities
- Manufacturing and Automotive – Over 16,000 positions
- Banking and Financial Services – Around 10,000 positions
Notable companies like Mahindra & Mahindra, Alembic Pharma, Max Life Insurance, Eicher Motors, and Bajaj Finance have partnered with the program to offer internships.
Stipend and Benefits for Selected Interns
Interns who are selected for the program will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 4,500 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Additionally, companies will contribute Rs 500 per month from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. Interns will also be entitled to a one-time annual grant of Rs 6,000 for incidentals.
Eligibility Criteria for the Internship Scheme
To be eligible for the internship scheme, candidates must:
- Have completed high school or hold a diploma or degree in fields such as B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, BCA, BBA, or B.Pharma.
- Candidates from prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, and national law universities, or those holding professional degrees like CA, CMA, or MBA, are not eligible.
- Candidates from families with an annual income of more than Rs 8 lakh are also excluded from the scheme.
Implementation and Challenges
Overseen by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the scheme’s primary objective is to improve the employability of youth by providing them with practical skill-building opportunities. Despite some technical glitches during the registration process, such as difficulties with OTP delivery, officials are working to resolve these issues to ensure smooth access for all candidates.
A Step Toward Skill Development and Employment
Backed by a significant fund of Rs 2 lakh crore from the Union Budget 2024-25, the scheme aims to equip one crore youth with valuable skills to improve their employment prospects. The pilot phase of the scheme is set to conclude by early December, with the goal of providing 1.25 lakh internships during this period.
Key Takeaways:
- The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme offers over 80,000 internship opportunities to youth aged 21-24 in 737 districts across India.
- Internships are available in 24 sectors, including oil, gas, energy, manufacturing, and banking, with top companies participating.
- Selected interns will receive a monthly stipend and a one-time grant for incidentals.
- Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, and the scheme is focused on providing skill development to improve employability.
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