PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) has emerged as a transformative initiative aimed at providing young graduates with valuable work experience and financial support.
However, recent data from the pilot phase reveals a significant gender disparity, with men comprising 72% of interns and women accounting for only 28%.
This imbalance has sparked discussions about the need for targeted measures to enhance women’s participation in the program.
Overview of the PM Internship Scheme
Launched to bridge the gap between education and employment, the PM Internship Scheme offers internships across various sectors, including corporate, government, and non-profit organizations.
Interns receive a monthly allowance of ₹5,000 and a one-time aid of ₹6,000, amounting to ₹60,000 annually.
The scheme aims to provide 1.5 million internships by FY26, supported by a budget allocation of ₹10,831 crore.
Gender Disparity in Participation
The pilot phase of the scheme highlighted a stark gender imbalance, with men dominating the internship pool. Several factors contribute to this disparity:
- Limited Opportunities Outside Home Districts: Women often face challenges in accessing internships located far from their home districts due to societal and logistical constraints.
- Inadequate Lodging Facilities: The lack of hostel or lodging facilities near internship locations has deterred many women from participating.
Measures to Improve Women’s Participation
To address these challenges, the government and participating organizations are exploring solutions:
- Housing Facilities: Companies are considering offering housing facilities to interns, particularly women, to make internships more accessible.
- Awareness Campaigns: Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the scheme and its benefits among women graduates.
- Flexible Internship Locations: Providing internships closer to home districts could encourage more women to apply.
Expansion Plans, Future Vision, Financial and Social Impact
The PM Internship Scheme is set to expand significantly, with plans to increase the intake fivefold by FY26.
This includes raising internship offers to 1.5 million from the current 242,000.
The scheme also aims to diversify the qualifications of interns, with participants ranging from ITI graduates to diploma holders.
The scheme has already incurred an expenditure of nearly ₹50 crore during the initial rollout.
By providing financial support and work experience, the program is expected to empower young professionals and contribute to India’s economic growth.
Enhancing women’s participation will further amplify its social impact, promoting gender equality in the workforce.
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