The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Government of India, has introduced an innovative initiative called the Internship Programme under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) of the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for the period 2022–23 to 2025–26. The programme has been conceptualized to engage students and research scholars from diverse academic backgrounds to work closely with the Ministry on various policy and development-related initiatives concerning Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and local governance mechanisms in India.
The scheme aims to create a mutually beneficial platform where young academic talent can contribute to the Ministry’s evidence-based research, data analysis, and policy formulation processes, while simultaneously gaining first-hand experience in public policy, local governance, and rural development. Through this internship, MoPR seeks to encourage youth participation in national governance by offering them a deeper understanding of the 3-tier Panchayati Raj System and its role in achieving Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
The internship programme not only provides academic exposure but also promotes innovative thinking, knowledge exchange, and experiential learning. It offers young minds an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the country’s policy framework, governance reforms, and socio-economic transformation, especially at the grassroots level.
Date and Implementation
- Issuing Authority: Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India
- Date of Guidelines Issuance: 12 March 2024
- Scheme Period: Financial Years 2022–23 to 2025–26
- Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) under the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)
- Implementing Agency: Ministry of Panchayati Raj and State Institutes of Rural Development (SIRDs)
Objectives of the Scheme
The Internship Programme under RGSA has been designed with the following key objectives:
- Harness Academic Talent:
To engage bright students and young research scholars, tapping into their academic knowledge, analytical skills, and innovative ideas for use in MoPR’s policy and action research activities. - Mutual Learning and Capacity Building:
To provide interns with first-hand exposure to governance structures, development schemes, and administrative mechanisms at the central and local levels, while allowing MoPR to benefit from new academic perspectives. - Policy Support through Evidence-Based Research:
To generate actionable insights through quantitative and qualitative data analysis, situational analysis, and policy research that can inform MoPR’s interventions under the RGSA. - Promotion of Rural Governance Awareness:
To enhance understanding among youth about the functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions, decentralization of governance, and sustainable rural development initiatives. - Strengthening Localization of SDGs:
To align research and analysis under the internship with the nine thematic areas of LSDGs, thus supporting the national goal of achieving sustainable rural development through empowered local self-governments.
Key Features of the Scheme
The RGSA Internship Programme introduces a structured and transparent framework for student engagement. The major features of the scheme include:
- Programme Coverage:
The internship is open throughout the year and can be availed by eligible students or scholars from recognized Indian or foreign universities. - Internship Duration:
- Minimum: 15 days
- Maximum: 6 months
Preferred internship slots include: - Mid-week of October to the first week of December, and
- Mid-week of June to the third week of August.
- Placement Locations:
Interns may be placed at:- Ministry of Panchayati Raj, New Delhi, or
- State Institutes of Rural Development (SIRDs), as per project needs.
- Research Domains:
The interns will be engaged in research across various domains such as:- Public Policy Studies
- Rural Development
- Governance and Administration
- Economics and Data Analysis
- Political Science and Sociology
- Public Health, Environmental Studies, and Energy Policy
- Statistics, Management, and Engineering Sciences
- Scope of Work:
Interns are expected to contribute to activities such as:- Data analysis and empirical research
- Policy review and desk-based studies
- Drafting of policy briefs and working papers
- Evaluation of existing schemes and publications
- Support in research and documentation of best practices in PRIs
- Deliverables and Reporting:
Each intern will be assigned specific deliverables, including submission of reports, analytical notes, or working papers at the end of their engagement period. - Experience Certification:
Upon successful completion of the internship and submission of deliverables, an Experience Certificate will be issued by the Divisional Head or designated official of MoPR.
Scholarship / Stipend Amount
While the programme primarily focuses on academic learning and research exposure, the Ministry provides a monthly stipend to selected interns:
- Stipend Amount: ₹7,000 per month (flat rate)
- Mode of Support:
- Provision of office space, internet access, and library facilities
- Interns are required to bring their own laptops
- Stipend is granted upon approval of the concerned Divisional Head (DH)
- Pro Bono Option:
Candidates not expecting financial compensation may still be permitted to participate with due approval from the Division Head.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the RGSA Internship Programme are as follows:
- Academic Qualification:
- Undergraduate, Graduate, or Postgraduate students currently enrolled in recognized institutions in India or abroad.
- Research scholars pursuing Doctoral (Ph.D.) or Post-Doctoral studies.
- Candidates who have completed any of the above programmes within the last two years are also eligible.
- Preferred Disciplines:
- Public Policy, Governance, and Administration
- Economics, Development Studies, and Rural Management
- Sociology, Political Science, and Social Work
- Environment, Energy, and Public Health
- Statistics, Data Science, Business Administration, and Engineering
- Nationality:
- Open to Indian and foreign nationals studying in recognized institutions.
- Other Conditions:
- Applicants must possess strong analytical, research, and writing skills.
- A valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned academic supervisor is mandatory at the time of joining.
Reservation Policy
The Internship Programme is an open merit-based scheme, focusing on academic performance, research aptitude, and suitability to the Ministry’s research areas.
However, MoPR encourages equal opportunity and diversity, giving preference to:
- Candidates from socially and economically disadvantaged groups,
- Students belonging to rural or marginalized communities,
- Female candidates, and
- Applicants from diverse academic backgrounds.
Although no formal reservation quotas are specified, inclusivity and regional representation are strongly emphasized during selection.
Distribution and Management of Internships
- Supervisory Structure:
Each intern will work under the direct supervision of a Divisional Head (DH) in the concerned unit of MoPR.- A maximum of five interns can be engaged per Division at any given time.
- The number can be relaxed with the approval of the Secretary, MoPR.
- Work Environment:
Interns will be integrated into the Ministry’s research and policy units, contributing to thematic areas related to LSDGs, cross-state learning, and innovation projects. - Field Assignments:
If required, interns may participate in field visits or study tours organized by MoPR or SIRD.- Travel allowances (TA/DA) will be reimbursed as per Level-5 pay matrix norms for government employees.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The entire application process for the Internship Programme is streamlined and transparent. Candidates are required to follow these steps:
Step 1: Notification and Application
- Applications are accepted throughout the year as per MoPR’s requirements.
- Interested candidates must fill out the prescribed online application form available on the official website of the Ministry.
Step 2: Selection of Research Area
- Applicants must clearly indicate their area of interest based on available thematic areas listed in Annexure A.
- Candidates can apply for only one internship per financial year.
Step 3: Submission of Documents
- The following documents must be submitted at the time of application and joining:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Scanned copies of academic certificates
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
- NOC/Recommendation Letter from University Supervisor (as per Annexure B)
Step 4: Scrutiny and Shortlisting
- Applications are forwarded to the concerned Divisional Head (DH) for review.
- A Selection Committee, headed by the DH, evaluates applications based on academic merit, research interests, and suitability.
Step 5: Offer of Internship
- Selected candidates receive an Offer Letter directly from MoPR, with information on their assignment and reporting date.
Step 6: Joining Formalities
- Upon selection, interns must produce original documents for verification and begin work as per the division’s schedule.
Step 7: Internship Engagement
- Interns carry out assigned tasks, attend review meetings, and participate in seminars or group discussions organized by their respective divisions.
Step 8: Submission of Deliverables
- At the end of the internship, interns must submit:
- A brief research report or policy paper,
- Summary of their findings, and
- A presentation, if required.
Step 9: Certification
- After successful completion and approval of deliverables, the Experience Certificate (as per Annexure C) is issued by MoPR.
Renewal Policy
- The internship is non-renewable, as it is designed to provide short-term research exposure.
- However, previous interns demonstrating exceptional performance may be considered for future collaborations, research projects, or consultancy roles within MoPR or its affiliated institutions.
- Interns can reapply only once per financial year, provided they meet eligibility criteria for the next cycle.
Withdrawal / Termination Policy
- Voluntary Withdrawal:
Interns may withdraw from the programme by submitting a written notice, citing valid reasons, and with prior approval of the concerned Divisional Head. - Non-Compliance or Misconduct:
The Ministry reserves the right to terminate an internship if:- The intern fails to meet performance standards or reporting requirements.
- There is any misconduct, misuse of data, or breach of confidentiality.
- Deliverables are not submitted within the prescribed time.
- Incomplete Duration:
Interns failing to complete the stipulated internship duration or submit required reports will not be eligible for the Experience Certificate or stipend.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
- For Interns:
- Opportunity to gain practical knowledge of rural governance and policy implementation.
- Exposure to government functioning, project management, and policy analysis.
- Enhancement of research, analytical, and professional communication skills.
- Certification and stipend support to boost career development.
- For MoPR and Governance Ecosystem:
- Access to young, research-oriented talent contributing innovative ideas and fresh perspectives.
- Improved data-driven decision-making and policy design.
- Strengthening of evidence-based governance models at national and state levels.
