Unlocking CSR Opportunities through the PM Internship Scheme

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 Author: CS Pradeep Kumar Parakh

Introduction

In today’s corporate landscape, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has emerged as a critical component of business strategy, helping organizations contribute to societal development while enhancing their brand image. One such avenue that aligns with CSR goals is the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme. The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) represents a landmark initiative aimed at providing valuable work experience to the youth while fostering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) opportunities for businesses. Launched as a pilot project for the financial year 2024-25, this scheme is poised to offer 1.25 lakh internships in top companies, opening doors for CSR integration with real-world impact.

What is the PM Internship Scheme?

The Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme is an initiative designed to provide students and recent graduates with valuable work experience through structured internships across various sectors. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional work environments, thereby enhancing the employability of young individuals. Announced in the 2024-25 Budget, the PMIS aims to provide internships to one crore youth over five years in the top 500 companies, selected based on their average CSR expenditure over the past three years. This voluntary scheme allows companies to offer 12-month internships, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry needs, thereby enhancing youth employability.

CSR Opportunities through the PM Internship Scheme

1. Empowering Youth through Education and Skill Development: Companies can participate in the PM Internship Scheme by offering internships that focus on skill development and practical training. This directly contributes to the educational development of young individuals, aligning with CSR goals related to education and youth empowerment.

2. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: By offering internships to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including underprivileged and marginalized communities, organizations can promote diversity and inclusion. This not only enriches the workplace culture but also supports social equity, a key CSR objective.

3. Fostering Sustainable Development: Interns can be engaged in projects that focus on sustainable practices, environmental conservation, and community development. This enables companies to drive their sustainability agenda while providing interns with hands-on experience in CSR-related projects.

4. Enhancing Community Engagement: The scheme offers companies a chance to collaborate with local communities by involving interns in community service projects. This deepens the organization’s engagement with the community and reinforces its commitment to social responsibility.

 5. Building a Future Workforce: Participating in the PM Internship Scheme allows companies to mentor and groom future leaders. By investing in the development of young talent, organizations contribute to building a skilled workforce, which is a critical aspect of long-term CSR strategies.

Key Features and Benefits:

1. Financial Assistance: Interns receive a monthly assistance of Rs. 5,000, with Rs. 500 contributed by the company from its CSR funds. The government provides the remaining Rs. 4,500 through Direct Benefit Transfer.

2. Training and Administrative Costs: Companies are expected to bear training costs from their CSR funds, with up to 5% of the CSR expenditure allowed as administrative costs under the scheme.

3. Insurance Coverage: Interns are covered under government insurance schemes, with companies encouraged to provide additional accidental insurance coverage.

How to Get Involved

Companies interested in leveraging the PM Internship Scheme for their CSR initiatives can follow these steps:

1. Registration and Implementation: verify whether your company is listed as a participating entity in the scheme. Companies can then register and manage internship opportunities through the dedicated PMIS Portal. This centralized platform facilitates end-to-end management of the internship lifecycle.

2. Design Meaningful Internship Programs: Create internships that provide real-world experience and align with your CSR goals.

3. Internship Posting: Partner companies can post detailed internship opportunities, including roles, qualifications, and facilities provided, on the portal.

4. Candidate Selection: The portal ensures a transparent selection process, promoting diversity and social inclusivity.

5. Engage and Mentor Interns: Provide guidance and support to interns, helping them grow professionally while contributing to your CSR projects.

6. Measure and Report Impact: Track the outcomes of your internship programs and their impact on both the interns and the community, and include these insights in your CSR reports.

Conclusion

The PM Internship Scheme and the newly announced 2025 initiative offer unique CSR opportunities for companies to contribute to national development by nurturing young talent and promoting social equity. By participating, companies not only enhance their CSR initiatives but also help shape a skilled, socially-conscious workforce.

By integrating this scheme into their CSR strategy, companies can make a significant social impact, foster sustainable development, and build a pipeline of skilled, socially-conscious talent. Embrace 
this opportunity to drive positive change and contribute to the nation’s growth through the power of internships.

Call to Action

Join the PM Internship Scheme and the 2025 initiative to make a tangible difference. Empower the youth, engage communities, and drive sustainable development. Together, let’s build a better future through impactful CSR practices.

Refer to Guidelines, FAQs and latest updates at the official portal for the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme at https://pminternship.mca.gov.in/guidelines/

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Disclaimer: This note is based on the research and contains the views of the author on the above subject. This information is intended to initiate sharing of knowledge only and shall not be construed to be any professional or legal advice. In no event the author shall be held liable for any direct, indirect, specific or incidental damages resulting or arising out of or in connection with the use of this information.

 

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