The enrollment for the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, launched by the Modi government, commenced on Saturday, coinciding with the festival of Dussehra.
This ambitious initiative is to provide opportunities for approximately 10 million young individuals over the next five years, aiming to enhance their skills and employability in the competitive job market.
Under this scheme, each intern will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000, complemented by a one-time bonus of Rs 6,000 after completing one year.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman first unveiled this initiative during the Union Budget announcement for the financial year 2024-25.
To facilitate the application process, the government has introduced a dedicated portal, www.pminternship.mca.gov.in, where candidates can submit their qualifications and other relevant information until 25 October.
Companies are likely to participate, with each contributing Rs 500 of the stipend as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Meanwhile, the government will fund the remaining Rs 4,500.
The scheme incorporates reservation policies for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunity for all candidates.
BISAG To Shortlist Internship Applicants; 111 Companies Already Onboard
The Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) will oversee the shortlisting of applicants between 27 October and 7 November, with selected candidates given the opportunity to accept internship offers from 8 November to 15 November.
With an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore for this pilot project, advertisements promoting the internship scheme have been disseminated in multiple regional languages to reach a broader audience.
The government aims to maximize the number of internships available in the districts where candidates reside, fostering local opportunities.
The scheme is open to individuals aged 21 to 24 who have completed their 10th-grade examinations and possess a valid certificate and mark sheet. Notably, reports indicate that 111 out of the top 500 companies have already signed up to participate in this program.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan praised the initiative, emphasizing that while unemployment benefits are temporary solutions, fostering skills and providing real-world experience is crucial for long-term employment.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Gaurav Vallabh Pant hailed the program as a potential game-changer for youth employment and skills development.
As the enrollment phase gets underway, the government hopes to empower the youth, preparing them for the workforce and bridging the gap between education and employment in India.
