SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme on Internship Programme in India

SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme

The “SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme on Internship Programme (SIP)” initiated by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in 2012-13 has become a vital platform for providing work-related learning experiences to students of professional courses. Initially focusing on the core and special fields of NCDC’s functioning, the scheme has evolved to cover various states and engage students from State Agricultural Universities. This article delves into the details of the program, outlining its objectives, benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and key contact details.

Overview table of SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme

Aspect	Details
Scheme Name	SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme
Initiator	National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)
Initiation Year	2012-13
Objectives	– Deep Immersion in Cooperative Functioning – Practical Learning and Context Understanding – Engagement in Startup Cooperatives – Leadership Roles in FPOs – Assistance to Needy Cooperatives
Benefits	– Monthly Stipend: ₹10,000 for four months – Report Preparation Expenses: Additional ₹5,000 – Total Financial Support: ₹45,000
Tenure	Maximum of four months
Eligibility Criteria	Professional graduates in various fields including agriculture, dairy, animal husbandry, veterinary sciences, fisheries, horticulture, textiles, handloom, IT, etc. Professionals pursuing or completed MBA Agri Business, MBA Coop, M.Com, MCA, MBA Finance, MBA International Trade, MBA Forestry, MBA Rural Development, MBA Project Management, Inter ICAI, or Inter ICWA are eligible.
Application Process	– Visit the Official Portal NCDC: Sahakar Mitra – New Registration – Fill in Relevant Details – Verification Link – Login to the Portal – Access the Sahakar Mitra Internship Application Form – Fill in Relevant Details and Upload Documents – Save and Submit – Registration Confirmation
Selection Process	– Shortlisting of Prospective Interns – Placement at Different Locations – Designated Mentors – Focus on Cooperative and Business Expansion – Committee-Based Selection
Submission of Reports	Interns are required to submit a comprehensive report providing an overview of their activities, findings, and experiences during the internship.
Contact Details	National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) Address: 4, Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016 Phone: +91-11-26962478, 26960796 Fax: +91-11-26962370, 26576032 Website: NCDC Official Website

Objectives of the SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme

The SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme encompasses several key objectives aimed at enhancing the professional development of young graduates:

1. Deep Immersion in Cooperative Functioning: The program provides an opportunity for professional graduates to immerse themselves in the role, contribution, and impact of NCDC and cooperatives.
2. Practical Learning and Context Understanding: It enables participants to gain practical insights into the working of NCDC and cooperatives, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the cooperative business model.
3. Engagement in Startup Cooperatives: Professional graduates are encouraged to actively engage in start-up cooperatives, gaining firsthand experience in the entrepreneurial aspects of cooperative enterprises.
4. Leadership Roles in FPOs: The scheme aims to equip graduates to take up leadership and/or entrepreneurial roles in Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) organized under Cooperative Acts.
5. Assistance to Needy Cooperatives: Participants are involved in assisting needy cooperatives in the preparation of business plans and projects, contributing to the overall development of the cooperative sector.

Benefits of the SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme

Financial support is a crucial aspect of the internship program. The following benefits are extended to interns during the four-month duration:

1. Monthly Stipend: Interns receive a consolidated monthly amount of ₹10,000 for four months, totaling ₹40,000, to partly cover their out-of-pocket expenses.
2. Report Preparation Expenses: An additional ₹5,000 is provided to cover expenses related to report preparation, including data collection, analysis, and the final report.
3. Total Financial Support: The total financial support offered by NCDC amounts to ₹45,000. The last month’s consolidated amount is disbursed upon successful completion of the internship, including the submission of reports.

Tenure and Eligibility

The SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme has specific guidelines regarding the tenure, eligibility, and application process:

1. Internship Duration: The internship does not exceed four months, adhering to NCDC guidelines.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Eligible candidates include professional graduates with qualifications in agriculture, dairy, animal husbandry, veterinary sciences, fisheries, horticulture, textiles, handloom, and IT, among others. Additionally, professionals pursuing or completed MBA Agri Business, MBA Coop, M.Com, MCA, MBA Finance, MBA International Trade, MBA Forestry, MBA Rural Development, MBA Project Management, Inter ICAI, or Inter ICWA are eligible.

SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme Apply Online

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal NCDC: Sahakar Mitra

• Navigate to the official website of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) by accessing the following link: NCDC Sahakar Mitra.

Step 2: New Registration

• Click on the “New Registration” option available on the portal.

Step 3: Fill in Relevant Details

• Complete the registration form by providing essential details such as your name, email ID, date of birth, mobile number, etc.
• Generate a secure password during the registration process.

Step 4: Verification Link

• After submitting the registration form, check your email for a verification link sent by the portal.
• Click on the verification link to complete the registration process.

Step 5: Login to the Portal

• Once the registration is successfully verified, log in to the portal using your email ID as the username and the password you generated during registration.

Step 6: Access the Sahakar Mitra Internship Application Form

• After logging in, find and open the ‘Sahakar Mitra Internship Application Form.’

Step 7: Fill in Relevant Details and Upload Documents

• Complete the application form by providing all the necessary details as per the guidelines.
• Upload the required documents, including a passport-size photograph, recommendation letter, identity proof, and all relevant educational documents.

Step 8: Save and Submit

• Click the ‘save’ button to ensure that all entered information is saved.
• Confirm your agreement with the declaration provided in the application form.
• Finally, submit the completed application form.

Step 9: Registration Confirmation

• Once the application is submitted, you will receive a registration number. Keep this number for future reference.

Selection Process and Placement

1. Shortlisting of Prospective Interns:

• Committees, as prescribed by the Managing Director, undertake the initial screening of bio-data submitted by prospective interns.
• Recommendations from sponsoring institutions play a crucial role in the shortlisting process.

2. Placement at Different Locations:

• Interns are placed at various locations, including the Head Office (HO), LINAC (Lead and Integrated National Agricultural Cooperative), and Regional Offices (ROs).
• Placement is determined based on the preferences expressed by the interns and the operational requirements of NCDC.

3. Designated Mentors:

• Each intern is assigned a designated mentor who plays a pivotal role in providing guidance, supervision, and facilitating special assignments.
• Mentors assist interns in understanding their roles, responsibilities, and the overall functioning of NCDC during the internship period.

4. Focus on Cooperative and Business Expansion:

• Interns placed at Regional Offices are expected to focus on a specific cooperative and contribute to the preparation of a business plan or project report.
• The business plan/project report aims to outline strategies for the expansion of the business of the respective cooperative society.

5. Committee-Based Selection:

• Interns are selected based on the recommendations of committees responsible for screening applications and ensuring alignment with the objectives of the SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme.
• Committees may evolve based on the guidelines set by the Managing Director, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.

Submission of Reports and Contact Details

1. Comprehensive Reporting:

• Interns are required to submit a fair-typed report in bound form, providing a comprehensive overview of their activities, findings, and experiences during the internship.
• The report should cover details such as the role played in the cooperative, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

2. Property of NCDC:

• The business plan, project report, and detailed report submitted by the intern become the property of NCDC.
• Interns relinquish any claims to the use or dissemination of the submitted reports in any manner.

3. Non-Publication of Findings:

• Findings of the study, research, and analysis conducted by the intern are not to be used for publication by the intern.
• The intern agrees not to disclose or publish any information that could compromise the interests of NCDC.

4. No Liability on NCDC:

• NCDC bears no liability on account of the actions or inactions of the intern during the internship period.
• The findings, business plan, and project report submitted by the intern do not impose any responsibility on NCDC.

National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC):

• An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Address: 4, Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016.
• Phone: +91-11-26962478, 26960796.
• Fax: +91-11-26962370, 26576032.
• Website: https://www.ncdc.in/

Documents Required for Application

To complete the application process, candidates must provide essential documents, including a passport-size photograph, recommendation letter, identity proof, all relevant educational documents, and contact details such as an email address and mobile number.

• Passport-size photograph
• Recommendation letter
• Identity proof
• All relevant educational documents
• An email ID
• A mobile number

Conclusion

The SAHAKAR MITRA Scheme on Internship Programme by NCDC offers a unique opportunity for professional graduates to gain hands-on experience in the cooperative sector. With its well-defined objectives, financial support, and structured application process, the program stands as a commendable initiative contributing to the development of cooperative enterprises. Aspiring interns can explore the official NCDC portal for more information and initiate their journey towards a meaningful and enriching internship experience.

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