FINANCE MINISTER LAUNCHES MOBILE APP FOR PM INTERNSHIP SCHEME
Why in the News?
- PM Internship Scheme (PMIS): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a dedicated mobile app to enhance access.
- Second phase: Internship postings increased to 327 companies, up from 280 in the first phase.
- National goal: The scheme aims to engage top 500 companies to offer internships for one crore youth over five years.
Key Features of the PM Internship Scheme
- Financial support: The Government of India provides ₹4,500 per month per intern through DBT, with companies adding ₹500 from CSR funds.
- Internship expansion: In round one, 82,000 offers were made, but only 8,000 were accepted. The second round has 18 lakh opportunities across 725 districts.
- Automated selection: Interns are placed in their home districts where possible, ensuring ease of access.
Enhanced Accessibility and Future Prospects
- Mobile app benefits: The new app simplifies internship searches and integrates a referral program for rewards.
- Policy alignment: The scheme includes reservation provisions to support underprivileged candidates.
- Financial commitment: The 2025-26 Budget allocates ₹10,831 crore, up from ₹380 crore in 2024-25, highlighting long-term investment in youth employment and skilling.