Empowering Women from Rural India: Ministry of Women and Child Development Launches Paid Internship Programme

In a significant move to promote inclusivity in policymaking and development outreach, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India, has introduced a paid internship programme for women in 2025. Aimed specifically at those from non-Tier I cities and rural India, the initiative seeks to give deserving women a platform to engage in national policy discourse and practical governance experiences.

A Step Towards Inclusive Policymaking

This forward-looking programme is structured to include women who may otherwise be excluded from central opportunities due to geographic, financial, or systemic barriers. It targets women students, teachers, scholars, and grassroots social activists, especially those from rural areas or smaller towns.

The internship is not just a temporary work experience—it's a transformative initiative that opens doors for women who wish to make a tangible impact in their communities by understanding and contributing to government frameworks and policies.

Key Features of the Internship

• Duration: 2 months
• Stipend: Rs 20,000 per month
• Travel Support: Reimbursement for travel to and from New Delhi by AC 3-tier train or deluxe/AC bus
• Accommodation: Hostel stay in Delhi on a triple-sharing basis with basic amenities

The selected candidates will work closely with the Ministry’s departments and projects, receiving mentorship and exposure to real-world policy implementation and administration. Assignments will range from policy-based tasks to pilot projects and micro-studies connected to ongoing government initiatives focused on women and children.

Objective of the Programme

The internship is carefully designed to:

• Offer an inside look at the Ministry’s core functions and developmental policies
• Help women develop a deeper understanding of policy planning, monitoring, and outreach strategies
• Encourage interns to take this knowledge back to their communities, where they can act as local champions for change

The larger goal is not only to nurture a new generation of informed leaders but also to create a bottom-up influence on policy perception and public engagement, especially from underserved areas.

Who Can Apply?

The internship is exclusively open to women applicants from non-Tier I cities and rural parts of India. Eligible candidates include:

• Students currently enrolled in academic institutions
• Individuals affiliated with non-academic institutions
• Women involved in social work, education, or grassroots-level community initiatives

By focusing on this demographic, the Ministry hopes to bridge the gap between policymaking in urban centres and lived experiences in rural communities.

Selection Process

The selection process is merit-based and handled by a designated Selection Committee. Final selection will be based on recommendations by the committee, and the names of selected candidates will be published on the Ministry’s Internship Portal under the 'Downloads' section.

Importantly, this is a one-time opportunity—those who are selected in the current cycle will not be eligible to reapply in future editions.

Financial Support and Hostel Provisions

In addition to the Rs 20,000 monthly stipend, the Ministry will also cover travel expenses for commuting to and from New Delhi. Interns must travel via AC 3-tier trains or deluxe/AC buses, as per government norms.

Hostel accommodation will be provided in Delhi. Each triple-sharing room will come with:

• A bed (mattress not included)
• Study table and chair
• Cupboard
• Attached bathroom facilities

This provision ensures that interns, especially those unfamiliar with big-city living, can focus fully on their internship without worrying about basic logistics or living expenses.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official portal of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The last date to apply is July 10, 2025. Interested candidates are advised to prepare their materials and apply well in advance.

For questions or support, applicants can contact the Ministry via email at mwcd-research@gov.in.

Why This Internship Matters

This internship represents more than just a professional milestone. It is a unique platform for capacity-building, leadership development, and policy engagement for women from lesser-represented backgrounds.

With increasing emphasis on inclusion and decentralisation in governance, initiatives like these play a crucial role in ensuring that women from all parts of India—not just major urban hubs—are given equal opportunities to influence and benefit from national development policies.

By bringing women from small towns and rural regions into the heart of government processes, the Ministry is not only investing in their individual growth but also strengthening the voice of underrepresented communities in policymaking.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Women and Child Development’s 2025 paid internship programme is a landmark step toward inclusive governance and community-based policy advocacy. With a generous stipend, travel support, and structured mentorship, it promises to be a life-changing opportunity for women who want to understand, engage with, and influence India’s development agenda.

If you or someone you know fits the eligibility criteria, don't miss this chance to apply and be part of a policy transformation story that starts at the grassroots and echoes on a national platform.

Apply before July 10, 2025 and become part of a pioneering initiative to empower women through knowledge, experience, and meaningful participation in government programmes.

For more details and to apply, visit the Ministry’s official Internship Portal or reach out via mwcd-research@gov.in.