Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to bolster youth employability, the Odisha government held a high-level meeting to strategize the effective implementation of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) in the state.
The meeting held on Tuesday, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at Lok Seva Bhavan, saw the participation of Deepti Gaur Mukerjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India, and Anu Garg, Development Commissioner of Odisha.
During the meeting, Secretary Mukerjee highlighted the successful nationwide implementation of PMIS Round 1 and revealed that the first intern under the scheme was from Odisha. She emphasized the state’s proactive efforts in the first round and outlined preparations for the upcoming Round 2.
Under the PMIS, eligible candidates aged 21 to 24 years will be offered one-year (12-month) internships in top companies across India. Each intern will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000, with ₹500 contributed by the partner company and ₹4,500 provided by the Government of India through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Additionally, interns will receive a one-time grant of ₹6,000 upon joining and will be covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
The scheme aims to enhance youth employability by providing structured internships aligned with industry demands, coupled with experiential learning through On-the-Job Training.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the scheme, stressing the need for effective coordination among key departments, including Skill Development & Technical Education, School & Mass Education, Higher Education, Labour & ESI, and Housing & Urban Development. He also emphasized the importance of a targeted Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to maximize outreach and ensure all available opportunities are filled.
To ensure smooth execution, hands-on training for State Nodal Officers is currently underway. The application process for Round 2 internships is expected to go live on February 15, 2025.
Field officials from the School and Mass Education Department and Higher Education Department will play a crucial role in mobilizing eligible candidates. Principals of Government ITIs, Polytechnics, and Model Career Centers at the district level will facilitate awareness, guidance, and application support for aspiring interns.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Chithra Arumugam, Principal Secretary of the Labour & Employees’ State Insurance Department; Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School & Mass Education Department; Arvind Agrawal, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department; and Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Skill Development & Technical Education Department, along with other officials from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
The Odisha government’s concerted efforts underscore its commitment to empowering youth and bridging the gap between education and employment through initiatives like the PM Internship Scheme.
