The Central government has launched the pilot phase of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, providing 1.25 lakh internship opportunities during the fiscal year 2024-25. This initiative aims to address youth unemployment and offers valuable workplace experience to enhance participants’ employability.
Objectives of the Scheme
- Youth Employment: The scheme targets providing internships to 1 crore young people over the next five years.
- Valuable Experience: It aims to equip participants with essential skills and experience to secure jobs after completing their internships.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Age: 21 to 24 years
- Employment Status: Must not be engaged in full-time employment
- Family Background: Individuals from families with government employees are not eligible
- Education: Graduates from prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, or those with qualifications such as CA or CMA are excluded
- Training: Open to youth trained at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Kaushal Kendras (skill centers)
Financial Assistance and Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Monthly Stipend:
- Rs. 4,500 from the government
- Rs. 500 from companies as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives
- Incidental Expenses: A one-time financial assistance of INR 6,000
- Insurance Coverage: Interns will be insured under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, with the government covering the premium costs
Application Process
Eligible candidates can register on the official portal www.pminternship.mca.gov.in. The application process includes:
- Profile Creation: Candidates’ information will be used to generate a resume through the portal.
- Internship Preferences: Candidates may apply for up to five internship opportunities based on their preferences (location, sector, functional role, and qualifications).
- Shortlisting Process: Shortlisting will consider candidates’ preferences and the requirements posted by companies, with priority given to lower employability and broader representation across diverse groups (Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and Persons with Disabilities).
Selection and Internship Duration
- Internship Offers: Based on the number of internship offers, approximately twice or thrice as many candidates will be sent to companies for selection.
- Acceptance of Offers: Candidates can convey acceptance of internship offers through the portal.
- Internship Duration: Internships will last for 12 months, with at least half of the program focusing on hands-on work experience to equip participants with practical job skills.
Participation of Companies
- Company Selection: Participating companies have been selected based on their CSR spending over the last three years.
- Voluntary Participation: While involvement is voluntary, other companies, banks, and financial institutions may join upon approval from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
- Collaboration Opportunities: Companies unable to provide in-house internships can collaborate with suppliers, customers, or partners to create internship opportunities.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. What is the primary aim of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme?
a) To provide part-time jobs to students
b) To offer internship opportunities to youth
c) To support government employees
d) To promote CSR activities
Answer: b) To offer internship opportunities to youth
2. How many internship opportunities does the pilot phase of the scheme aim to provide in 2024-25?
a) 1 lakh
b) 1.25 lakh
c) 2 lakh
d) 1 crore
Answer: b) 1.25 lakh
3. What is the age range for applicants to the internship scheme?
a) 18 to 22 years
b) 21 to 24 years
c) 25 to 30 years
d) 20 to 25 years
Answer: b) 21 to 24 years
4. What financial assistance will participants receive for incidental expenses?
a) Rs. 4,500
b) Rs. 500
c) Rs. 6,000
d) Rs. 5,000
Answer: c) Rs. 6,000
5. How long will the internships last under this scheme?
a) 6 months
b) 12 months
c) 3 months
d) 18 months
Answer: b) 12 months