Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Evaluates Progress and Outreach of PM Internship Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir
JAMMU, April 16, 2026:- Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo held a high-level meeting today to review the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme across Jammu and Kashmir and to devise a strategy for expanding its impact.
The meeting, which included top officials from the education and skill development sectors as well as representatives from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs via video link, focused on the potential of the scheme to boost youth employability.
Under this initiative, interns receive a monthly stipend of 9,000 rupees and a one-time grant of 6,000 rupees for a period of six to nine months.
While the region has seen over 4,400 registrations, the Chief Secretary noted a significant gap between the high number of applicants and the 68 internship slots currently available within the union territory, prompting a call for more aggressive industry engagement.
To address these challenges, the Chief Secretary directed departments to adopt a mission-mode approach with a target of reaching two lakh registrations through colleges, technical institutes, and employment centers.
He stressed the importance of collaborating with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to increase the number of available slots to at least 1,000 in the near future.
The administration plans to integrate registration processes with institutional mechanisms like ITIs and polytechnics to ensure that all eligible youth are reached. Furthermore, officials discussed a 100-day roadmap that includes mass awareness campaigns and the deployment of mobile registration units in remote areas to facilitate the application process for those in far-flung locations.
A major component of the expansion strategy involves a partnership with Mission YUVA to utilize its database of nearly five lakh youth who are seeking employment opportunities.
Approximately 2,000 youth volunteers will be mobilized to conduct door-to-door awareness drives to ensure widespread participation at the grassroots level. The Chief Secretary emphasized the need for real-time tracking of progress through digital platforms and regular reviews to resolve any operational bottlenecks.
He concluded by highlighting that the scheme is essential for bridging the gap between academic education and the practical requirements of the modern job market, ultimately preparing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir for successful professional careers.