No more Rs 12,000 scam; Govt introduces free internship in four-year degree courses following 'Kerala Kaumudi' report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government put a stop to the massive scam in the name of internship for four-year undergraduate students. Facilities will be provided for free internships in private and government institutions, local bodies and voluntary organisations.

Internship cells will be formed in colleges. The Internship-Kerala portal, launched by the Higher Education Council in collaboration with Keltron, has included free internship programs of the central and state governments. The urgent action was taken after 'Kerala Kaumudi' reported about the scam that included charging up to Rs. 12,000 for internships.

The government has forwarded the guidelines prepared by the four-year undergraduate state-level monitoring committee for free internships to the universities. The universities should discuss and implement them. Internship will be for 90 to 120 hours (15-20 days) during the vacation after the fourth semester. If not in the major or minor subjects, students can do internships in the areas of their interest.

There will also be opportunities in the government sector, government-aided institutions, private sector, voluntary organisations, tourism, health and social security institutions. Colleges can find and provide internship opportunities. MoUs should be signed with external institutions. Opportunities should be provided for internships in universities, colleges, research institutes and labs of other institutions for those who want to do research. There were no free internships in any of the 162 companies on the government's internship portal. This was corrected following the report from Kerala Kaumudi.