Congress slams Centre over poor implementation of PM Internship Scheme

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Manickam Tagore has accused the Centre of failing India’s youth over the poor implementation of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme. In a post on X, Tagore cited the 40th report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, arguing that the findings exposed shortcomings in the government’s flagship programme.

Launched with an outlay of Rs 63,000 crore, the scheme aims to provide internships to one crore young people over five years. Tagore noted that of the Rs 2,000 crore allocated for 2024-25, only Rs 29.29 crore was spent, leaving nearly 98.5 per cent unutilised. While companies reportedly offered around 2.45 lakh internships, only 16,060 candidates joined, and 53.6 per cent dropped out midway.

Tagore attributed the low uptake and high attrition to inadequate stipends and lack of accommodation and transport, especially affecting rural candidates and women. He urged the government to address the structural shortcomings and warned the Centre against “playing with the future” of India’s youth.