A question arises that perhaps everyone finishing their studies and starting to look for a job has asked themselves: 'If I work hard, will I get a job?' When graduates begin their search, many companies offer them the opportunity to complete an internship. Some of these companies are willing to pay interns, while others motivate newcomers to learn without providing compensation.
However, interns' hopes are often dashed when they are given too much work under the pretext of gaining experience, but in return, they receive nothing except the work itself. In such cases, a natural question arises: are there any rules for this, or does this trend persist?
Some internships provide payment, while in other circumstances, there may be a requirement to work without a stipend. Therefore, every situation cannot be viewed the same way. It is important to understand the terms of the internship, the nature of the work performed, and which specific rules apply to that system.
The answer to this question is not universal. In India, there is no single stipend established for all types of internships. Payment conditions in regular internships may depend on company policy, the offer letter, or the rules of the relevant program. Nevertheless, the mere fact that a person is called an intern does not mean that labor laws do not apply to them. If a person is effectively working in an institution as an employee, their status and applicable legislation must be checked.
Apprenticeship and general internships should be considered separately. According to the Apprentices Act, 1961, apprentices are entitled to a stipend. Article 13 of this Act states that the employer is obliged to pay a stipend during the apprenticeship period according to the established minimum rate or applicable provisions. Consequently, if a young person participates in an official apprenticeship program and does not receive the agreed-upon stipend, they should check their contract and relevant regulations.
If the internship offer letter specifies a stipend, but the company refuses to pay it, the candidate should first preserve written evidence. This may include the offer letter, emails, work records, and documents related to payment promises. After that, a written demand for payment can be sent to the HR department or the relevant company official.
If the situation falls under applicable labor laws, assistance can be sought from the relevant labor department or competent authority. Complaints regarding lack of salary, low pay, and other employment-related issues can be filed through the Ministry of Labour and Employment's SAMADHAN portal. However, whether each intern falls under the scope of this portal depends on their status and the nature of the complaint.
In some government programs, financial support for interns is clearly defined. For example, the official description of the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Internship Yojana) states that eligible candidates are provided with a monthly allowance of 5000 rupees for 12 months of internship, as well as a one-time allowance of 6000 rupees. This benefit is provided within the terms of this specific program and cannot be applied to all private or general internships.
Before accepting an internship at any company, it is crucial for the candidate to clarify several key points.