The government has amended the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) guidelines for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) for the current financial year. Now the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme has been included as a common subject or theme in the CSR of CPSEs. An official gave this information. Currently, Central Public Sector Enterprises follow a theme-based approach in using their Corporate Social Responsibility funds. CPSEs have to spend 60 percent of their CSR funds on a 'theme' determined for a particular year.

12 month internship will start from 2 December

An official said, "We have added the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme in 'Health and Nutrition' as a common theme for CSR activities by CPSEs for 2024-25. CPSEs will spend 60 per cent of their CSR funds on 'Health and Nutrition' and the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme this financial year." The Ministry of Corporate Affairs started enrolling companies as well as interns under the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme earlier this month. It is envisaged to provide internships to one crore youth under this scheme in five years. The 12-month internship under the pilot project will start from December 2. It is estimated to cost Rs 800 crore.

Target to connect 1.25 lakh youth

The target is to bring 1.25 lakh youth under it in the current financial year ending March 2025. The PM Internship Scheme was announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her 2024-25 budget. Under this scheme, top 500 companies will provide internship opportunities to youth aged 21-24 years and also provide life insurance protection. Apart from monthly financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for one year, a one-time grant of Rs 6,000 will be given for interns. The monthly assistance will include Rs 4,500 by the government and Rs 500 by the company from its CSR fund. The official further said that as the private sector moves forward in providing internship opportunities, CPSEs will also be encouraged to join the scheme. Under the scheme, registration can be done on the portal till October 25 and the names of the applicants will be shortlisted on October 26. After this, the candidates will be selected by the companies from October 27 to November 7. After this, the selected candidates will have time from November 8 to 15 to accept the offer. A maximum of three offers will be given to a candidate.