Mail News Service
Ranchi, Feb 5: The Grassroot Innovation Internship Scheme will soon be launched for students in Jharkhand colleges, offering them the opportunity to work in villages as part of their academic curriculum. Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu has approved the proposal, which will now be placed before the state cabinet for final approval before implementation.
Under this scheme, students will conduct field research on Jharkhand’s cultural heritage, food, traditional medicine, art and music, helping document the state’s customs and traditions. The initiative is designed in alignment with the New Education Policy (NEP)-2020, making internships a mandatory part of higher education. The program will also address social, educational, environmental, technological and health-related challenges at the grassroots level. Through interactions with villagers, students will learn techniques to maximize productivity with minimal effort.
Internship duration and stipend details
The internship will be eight weeks long, taking place during the summer vacation. During this period, students from private and government universities, including their constituent and affiliated colleges, will get the opportunity to participate. Each selected student will receive a stipend of Rs 10,000, disbursed in two instalments of Rs 5,000. Trainers guiding the students will receive Rs 20,000, also paid in two instalments. A six-week field visit will be mandatory as part of the internship.
Training 17,380 Students Annually Across Panchayats
Every year, 17,380 students will be selected for training under this scheme. The program will be implemented across all 4,345 panchayats in the state. Groups of four trainees will be formed to study grassroots innovation and local needs. Each group will be led by a mentor, appointed by the Registrar or Principal of their respective institution. A mentor will oversee a maximum of five groups, ensuring structured guidance throughout the internship.
A step toward rural development and innovation
According to the proposal, the Grassroot Innovation Internship Scheme is a significant initiative aimed at promoting creative thinking to solve local community issues. It is particularly beneficial for students interested in rural development, social change and innovative problem-solving. By integrating education with hands-on fieldwork, the scheme seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world challenges.
