Context: 

A comprehensive study report on PM internship scheme, titled ‘From Learning to Earning: The Role of CSR in Transforming Education into Employability’ was presented by online learning and employability solutions provider TeamLease Edtech.

·        The report found that significant majority of Indian corporates support the extension of the PM Internship Scheme to all companies, with 81% backing the initiative. However, only 73% are willing to absorb up to 10% of interns as full-time employees, highlighting budgetary constraints and the need for targeted university programs.

About Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme

·        The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme is a national initiative launched on October 3, 2024, aimed at providing internship opportunities to youth in India.

·        The scheme targets to offer 1 crore internships over five years, helping young individuals develop skills, gain real-world experience, and enhance employability across diverse sectors.

·        The scheme spans 24 different sectors, including fields like energy, automotive, hospitality, banking, and more.

·        The internship scheme partners with top 500 companies, identified based on their average CSR expenditure over the past three years. Companies from other sectors can also participate with approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

·        These companies are expected to offer internship opportunities and may collaborate with other businesses in their supply chains or groups if unable to provide internships directly.

Eligibility criteria for the internship

Eligible candidates for the internship scheme must meet the following criteria:

• Age: Between 21 to 24 years.
• Education: Candidates must have completed at least High School or Higher Secondary and hold a certificate from an ITI, diploma from a polytechnic, or a graduate degree in fields like BA, B.Sc., B.Com, BCA, BBA, etc.
• Employment: Candidates must not be employed full-time or engaged in full-time education, but those enrolled in distance learning programs are eligible.
• Income: Family income should not exceed Rs. 8 Lakh for the FY 2023-24.

Who is ineligible for the internship scheme?

The following individuals are ineligible:

• Graduates from IITs, IIMs, National Law Universities, IISER, NIDs, and IIITs.
• Holders of qualifications such as CA, CMA, CS, MBBS, BDS, MBA, or other master’s degrees.
• Those already undergoing apprenticeships or internships under any Central or State government schemes, or under NATS or NAPS.
• Family members of permanent government employees.

Benefits of the internship scheme:

• Monthly Stipend: A total of ₹5,000 per month, with ₹500 contributed by the partner companies and ₹4,500 from the government via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• One-time Grant: A one-time grant of ₹6,000 after joining the internship.
• Insurance Coverage: Interns will be covered under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. Additionally, partner companies may offer extra accidental insurance coverage.