The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) Internship Program is a short-term internship opportunity initiated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) under the Revamped RGSA Scheme (2022-23 to 2025-26). The program is designed for undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate students, and research scholars (Ph.D./Post-Doctoral candidates) from recognized institutions in India and abroad.
The internship offers practical exposure to local self-governance, policymaking, and government interventions in rural development. Selected interns will contribute to policy research, data analysis, and field studies in various divisions of MoPR.
Objectives of the Program
- Engage students and research scholars to contribute to MoPR’s policy and action research.
- Provide hands-on experience in local self-governance, government policies, rural development initiatives, and data-driven policymaking.
- Enable interns to contribute through data analysis, empirical research, desk reviews, and policy brief preparations.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend of ₹7,000/- for selected candidates.
- Certificate of Completion upon successfully completing the internship.
- Access to working space, internet, library, and other facilities at MoPR.
- Interns will have the opportunity to work on government projects and policy research.
- Candidates willing to work without a stipend (pro bono) may also apply.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be:
- A student enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree program.
- A research scholar (Ph.D./Post-Doctoral candidate) from a recognized university in India or abroad.
- A candidate who has completed their degree within the last 2 years.
- Preferred academic disciplines:
- Public Policy, Social Policy, Development Studies, Economics, Governance, Public Administration, Rural Development, Business Administration, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Sociology, Political Science, Social Work, Statistics, Data Analysis, Engineering, and related fields.
- The internship duration must be between 15 days and 6 months.
- Interns must have their own laptops.
- Candidates who do not expect a stipend can apply for a pro bono internship, subject to approval.
Exclusions
- The internship period cannot exceed 3 months.
- Interns who do not complete at least 4 weeks will not receive a certificate.
- A candidate can apply only once per financial year.
Application Process
Online Application via ServicePlus Portal
- Register on ServicePlus Website (if not already registered).
- Visit the MoPR website and navigate to the RGSA Internship section.
- Log in and click on “Apply Service”.
- Fill in the application form, select your Area of Interest, and upload a passport-size photograph.
- Submit the application and note down the application reference number.
Documents Required
- Letter from Supervisor/Head of Department/Principal indicating:
- Applicant’s status in the institution.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) allowing participation in the Internship Program.
- Other documents as required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the purpose of the internship with MoPR?
It provides students and research scholars an opportunity to work with MoPR and gain practical experience in rural governance, policy research, and data-driven decision-making.
Q: What is the period of the internship?
The minimum duration is 15 days, and the maximum duration is 3 months.
Q: Who is eligible for the internship program?
Students and research scholars enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., or post-doctoral programs from recognized institutions in India and abroad.
Q: Is this Internship Program part of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)?
Yes, this internship is a part of the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) for 2022-2026.
Q: Will I receive an Experience Certificate?
Yes, an Experience Certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the internship.
Sources & References
- Guidelines
- Application Portal: ServicePlus Portal