PMI Scheme Revamp: MSMEs, Professional & Statutory Bodies Added To Improve Uptake

New Delhi, Jul 14 (KNN) The Centre has expanded the range of organisations eligible under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) to improve participation after low acceptance and high dropout rates in earlier rounds. 

The scheme will now include micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), global capability centres (GCCs), and professional bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), and Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI).

Statutory organisations, including the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), have also been brought under the programme as part of the revised framework introduced in April 2026 with Pilot Round 3.

Speaking to ThePrint on condition of anonymity, a government source said, “Currently, discussions are ongoing with different industrial bodies. We plan to start internship opportunities in these additional companies at the earliest.” 

The guidelines also allow state governments to nominate companies to participate in the scheme. “State governments can nominate up to 20 companies,” the source added.

Addressing Early Challenges

Launched in October 2024, PMIS aims to provide one crore internship opportunities over five years to enhance youth employability through industry exposure. However, the scheme faced challenges in converting offers into actual placements.

According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), a key issue was candidates’ reluctance to relocate or travel beyond short distances. The earlier 12-month internship duration also contributed to low joining rates and high attrition.

Focus on Local Opportunities

By including MSMEs and allowing state governments to nominate up to 20 companies each, the government aims to create internship opportunities closer to candidates’ homes. Discussions are underway with MSME clusters in industrial towns to facilitate local placements and improve participation.

Revised Features and Targets

The ongoing pilot round has been extended until December 2026, with a target of 1.10 lakh internship opportunities. The government is also working with the National Cadet Corps and MY Bharat to expand awareness and boost enrolment.

Key changes introduced under Pilot Round 3 include an increase in monthly stipend to Rs 9,000 from Rs 5,000, expansion of the eligible age group to 18–25 years, and reduction in internship duration to 6–9 months.

More Companies Brought Under Scheme

The MCA, which administers PMIS, has raised the number of eligible companies from about 500 in earlier rounds to 2,000 from Pilot Round 3 onwards. 

Eligibility is based on corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending, along with financial thresholds such as annual turnover above Rs 1,000 crore or net worth exceeding Rs 500 crore.

(KNN Bureau)