PM Internship Scheme
Why in news?
Only 30% of selected candidates joined, with 41% quitting midway due to long 12-month tenure, location limits, and low interest; just 16,000 showed up from 1.27 lakh postings despite 6.21 lakh applications. Dropout rate hit 20% in pilots, with 6,618 exits from 33,300 acceptances against 125,000 targets. Budget utilization remains low at ₹73.72 crore from ₹840 crore approved.
Challenges faced by the PM Internship Scheme
- Low Acceptance Rates: Only 20-30% of shortlisted candidates accept offers due to better private sector opportunities and no guaranteed job post-internship.
- High Dropout Rates: Around 20-41% of joined interns quit early, often from mismatched tasks, lack of mentorship, or logistical issues like accommodation.
- Inadequate Stipend: Rs 5,000 monthly plus one-time aid fails to cover relocation and city living costs, especially in Tier-1 areas.
- Long Duration: 12-month commitment clashes with studies, exams, or shorter private internships.
- Location Constraints: Postings far from home (beyond 5-10 km preferred) deter rural or semi-urban candidates.
- Role Mismatches: Assignments don't align with skills, interests, or sectors like IT, limiting appeal.
- Low Budget Utilization: Despite Rs 10,831 crore allocation, only minimal funds used due to poor participation.
- Limited Industry Engagement: Few companies participate fully, especially PSUs, with regional disparities in opportunities.
About Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS)
- Overview: The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS), launched in 2024, aims to provide 1 crore internships over 5 years to youth in India's top 500 companies across 25 sectors like pharma, auto, IT, and energy, bridging the gap between academics and industry skills.
- Objectives: Offers 12-month hands-on training for real-world exposure, skill development, and employability enhancement through mentorship and practical work.
- Eligibility: Indian citizens aged 21-24 years with at least secondary education (Class 12, ITI, diploma, or degree); family income below ₹8 lakh/year; no full-time job/study; excludes premier institutes (IIT/IIM), professional degrees (CA/MBBS), or govt-employed family.
- Financial Support: Monthly stipend of ₹5,000 (govt: ₹4,500 via DBT; company: ₹500 from CSR); one-time ₹6,000 joining grant; insurance under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Suraksha Bima Yojana.
- Application: Register on official portal (pminternship.mca.gov.in); companies post opportunities; selection based on merit.
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