Nirmala Sitharaman launches PM Internship Scheme app – All you need to know

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday launched a mobile application for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme.

She also urged more companies to join the internship programme.

WATCH VIDEO

Sitharaman said: “It was absolutely visionary of PM Modi to put the finger on the point that today, our youth are going through various different courses as per their aptitude and our industry is also going through a lot of change. They are bringing in AI, robotics, and various other things. So, as much as you train your youth, there still is a shortage of industry expectation in the skills that they expect which they want to find in every new recruit.”

“Five different schemes were announced to improve more enrolments into jobs, support to job seeker and employer,” she added.

The minister further said that she has appealed to MPs to encourage youth to join the internship scheme.

The PM Internship Scheme is aimed at getting youth from Tier II and III cities and help them to understand the skills that are required by the industry as well as the job availability, Sitharaman commented, adding there is a shortage of people in terms of industry expectations and requirements and the scheme will help in bridging that gap.

About PM Internship Scheme

The PM Internship Scheme was announced in the 2024-25 Union Budget.

The scheme’s pilot project, launched on October 3, 2024, aimed at providing 1.25 lakh internship opportunities to the youth during 2024-25.

In the first round of the pilot project, more than 1.27 lakh internship opportunities were provided by the companies and the second round started in January this year over 1.18 lakh internship opportunities have been posted by around 327 companies.

The deadline for applications in the second round is March 31.

The Internship scheme's website and app are being made more accessible. It is available in various languages.

Under the scheme, interns will be provided monthly financial assistance of ₹5,000 for 12 months and a one-time grant of ₹6,000.

It is aimed at providing internship opportunities to 1 crore youth in the top 500 companies in five years.