Government Plans Key Changes to PM Internship Scheme for Better Implementation The Indian government is considering major modifications to the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) to enhance its effectiveness and ensure a broader reach among job seekers. The changes aim to improve candidate participation and resolve issues hindering the scheme’s success.
Government Plans Key Changes to PM Internship Scheme for Better Implementation
State-Specific Selection for Greater Participation
According to official sources, the government may introduce a state-specific selection process, recommending candidates from the same state where the internship is offered. This move is expected to address the lack of enthusiasm among applicants, particularly due to relocation challenges.
Currently, many shortlisted candidates are unwilling to travel to different states for the 12-month internship, especially due to the low stipend. To counter this, the government may prioritize local candidates to enhance participation rates.
Challenges in the Current Selection Process
- Under the existing framework, candidates register on an online portal, where their profiles are matched with internship opportunities.
- Companies have no role in shortlisting candidates, which has led to mismatches between company requirements and assigned interns.
- Large firms participating in PMIS have requested the right to select candidates, but a final decision is still pending.
Employer Concerns and the Need for Reform
Experts believe the current system needs further modifications to improve its efficiency. A spokesperson from a leading firm noted that government-led shortlisting often results in candidates who do not fit company requirements.
Additionally, businesses face training challenges due to geographic constraints, as the stipend is insufficient for relocation. This has led to a gap between available opportunities and candidate mobility.
Internship Acceptance Rates Remain Low
In the first phase of PMIS:
- 82,077 internships were offered by companies.
- Only 28,141 candidates accepted the offers.
- Over 43% of internship opportunities were concentrated in five states: Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana.
- Many candidates rejected opportunities due to the low stipend (₹5,000 per month plus a ₹6,000 one-time allowance).
- Less than 20,000 interns are currently active on the ground.
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Proposed Solutions to Improve PMIS Implementation
To overcome these challenges, the government has urged companies to set up in-house PMIS cells to streamline the selection and training processes. Additionally, experts suggest that localizing the internship program could improve efficiency, increase participation, and reduce dropout rates.
Industry Insights:
- Pallavi Jha, CMD of Dale Carnegie India, believes a regional approach could align internships with local industry needs and reduce financial burdens.
- Jaideep Kewalramani, COO of TeamLease Edtech, suggests that internship exposure should be localized to encourage participation without the need for relocation.
Future Plans and Expansion of PMIS
For the current financial year, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) aims to provide 125,000 internship opportunities in 500 partner companies. These companies, selected based on their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) expenditure, represent various sectors, including:
- Aviation & Defence
- Automotive Industry
- Banking & Financial Services
- Chemical Industry
- Oil, Gas & Energy
To further promote the program, the MCA is organizing 70 PMIS events across districts with the highest internship opportunities. A recent event was held in Kolkata, with more planned across the country.
Conclusion
The proposed changes to the PM Internship Scheme are expected to increase participation, reduce candidate dropout rates, and align opportunities with industry demands. A more localized approach, coupled with company-driven selection, could make the scheme more impactful and beneficial for both interns and businesses. If successfully implemented, PMIS could become a crucial bridge between education and employment for young professionals across India.
