Parliamentary Panel seeks higher stipend, age relaxation under PM Internship Scheme

New Delhi: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance has suggested that the government raise the monthly stipend and relax eligibility conditions under the PM Internship scheme, flagging the limited uptake and high dropout rates under the programme.

The panel, chaired by senior BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab, has pitched for higher stipend to beneficiaries, keeping in view prevailing living costs. It also wants that "a graded support mechanism, including travel, relocation or accommodation assistance, particularly for women candidates and those from rural or remote areas, be introduced to improve retention".

Currently, each selected intern gets a monthly allowance of ₹5,000 for one year, on top of a one-time aid of ₹6,000. The government bears a total of ₹60,000 and participating companies ₹6,000 per year for each intern. These companies are allowed to adjust their expenditure against their corporate social responsibility obligations.


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The House panel made these suggestions in its report on demands for grants of the corporate affairs ministry for 2026-27, submitted in Parliament on Thursday. The internship scheme was announced in the July 2024 budget.

The House panel also favours easing the age limit for participants (currently set at 21-24 years) and suggests relaxing other conditions to expand the programme. It also wants inclusion of those seeking employment at a later stage due to educational or socioeconomic reasons.

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