The Prime Minister Internship Scheme funds, as allocated under the Modi government’s flagship initiative to enhance the employability of India’s youth, have been severely under-utilised, after drawing a poor response in the first two pilot rounds, according to a parliamentary committee report tabled Thursday. Initially, in the FY2025-26 Budget estimates, Rs 10,831 crore was allocated for the scheme. However, the amount was cut to Rs 526 crore in the revised estimates, corresponding to a nearly 95 percent dip. From these reduced funds, only Rs 64.91 crore had been utilised as of 31 December—0.6 percent of the original Budget estimates.

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