Establishment Division (ED) has shown concern over the increasing trend of absenteeism among interns without prior recommendation of the host organisation, sources said here on Tuesday.
In a letter to all the concerned ministries and divisions, the ED said a number of cases regarding resignation from internship are being received in National Internship Programme Office (NIPO) without fulfilling the required formalities under the contract agreement between the government and the interns. It has recommended disciplinary action against those violating the rules.
Under the contract, an intern is bound to observe the rules and regulations of the host organisation as well as working hours, confidentiality, discipline at the workplace etc, the letter read and added: non-observance of the rules, regulations and discipline render the intern liable to termination of his/her internship.
The letter informed, according to the internship contract, the intern is at liberty to leave the programme at any stage on 15-day's advance notice otherwise he/she would have to deposit 15 days stipend. Establishment Division has directed the concerned organisations to ensure either to obtain 15-day advance notice for resignation or deduct/recover 15-day stipend from the resigning intern.
It is important to mention here that the interns are entitled to a monthly stipend of Rs 10,000 (all-inclusive) on satisfactory performance during one-year term of the internship including 20 days leave. However they are not entitled to get government accommodation, travelling expenses, medical facilities or any other fringe benefits during the course of internship.
The National Internship Programme was designed for the benefit of young unemployed postgraduates and graduates, who have completed 16 years of education from a recognised university or degree awarding institution during the calendar year 2005 and 2006, aimed at providing them with financial relief and also give them on job experience thereby facilitating their employability. The programme is also beneficial for the government organisations having shortage of officials in various cadres.