New Delhi, 29 July

Rajya Sabha MP Mansoor Ali Khan sought a stronger review of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) after the government informed Parliament that only 3,730 internships had been completed as of 15 July, despite 82,077 internship offers being made.

The figures were disclosed in a written reply to a question raised by Khan in the Rajya Sabha, seeking details on internship opportunities, participation, implementation gaps, expenditure and outcomes under the scheme.

The government said feedback from candidates, industry bodies, state governments and an independent evaluation identified several reasons for the low acceptance and high dropout rates. These included the original 12-month internship duration, locations being farther than candidates' preferred travel distance of 5-10 km, and a lack of interest in the roles offered.

Based on the review, the government informed the Parliament that it has revised the scheme guidelines. Internship duration has been made flexible at six or nine months, the monthly allowance has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 9,000, eligibility criteria and age limits have been relaxed, and the number of participating organisations has been expanded. Round III of the scheme is currently underway.

Reacting to the data, Khan said "India's young people are desperate for employment. For many, an internship is not a substitute for the security, dignity and financial stability that a job provides… the real measure of success will be whether these interventions create stronger pathways to meaningful employment and long-term careers." 

He said the findings showed young people were disengaging because of practical barriers such as duration, accessibility and relevance of roles.