Finance Minister Accused of Copying Congress Party’s Ideas for Internship Program

On July 23, the Congress party alleged that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had taken inspiration from their 2024 Lok Sabha election manifesto with the introduction of an internship program.

“The Finance Minister has taken a leaf out of the INC’s Nyay Patra 2024, with its internship program clearly modelled on the INC’s proposed Apprenticeship Program that was called Pehli Naukri Pakki,” said Congress leader Ramesh during the Budget 2024 presentation in Parliament.

New Internship Program Announced in Budget Speech

In her Budget speech, Sitharaman announced a new centrally-sponsored skilling scheme to train 20 lakh youth over a 5-year period. Additionally, the government will provide 1 crore youth with 12-month internship opportunities in the top 500 companies. The interns will receive a monthly allowance of ₹5,000 and a one-time assistance of ₹6,000, with the companies bearing training and internship costs.

Congress Party’s Manifesto Promise

The Congress party’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, titled ‘Nyay Patra’, had promised a ₹1 lakh apprenticeship stipend for one year for diploma holders/graduates below the age of 25 years.

Accusations of Copying

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram also accused Sitharaman of copying the opposition party’s ideas in the manifesto, particularly the Employment-linked incentive (ELI) and the Apprenticeship scheme.

Political Backdrop

Tuesday’s Budget comes amidst a changed political landscape in the country, with the BJP forming the government with the support of NDA allies after falling short of the majority mark in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.