Details about SAHAKAR MITRA Internship Programme
The SAHAKAR MITRA Internship Programme (SIP), launched by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in 2012-13, offers students of professional courses valuable work-related learning experiences. Initially focused on NCDC’s core operations, the scheme expanded to include students from State Agricultural Universities, particularly those pursuing an MBA in Agri-Business, in states where NCDC’s Regional Offices are located.
This short-term internship (up to four months) allows young professionals to gain hands-on experience in the cooperative sector, enhancing their professional development. Through the SAHAKAR MITRA programme, interns learn about the practical functioning of NCDC and cooperatives, exploring the cooperative business model and developing leadership or entrepreneurial skills, especially in Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Additionally, interns help cooperatives prepare business plans and projects, contributing to their growth and sustainability.
Key Objectives:
- Immerse professional graduates in NCDC’s role, contribution, and impact on cooperatives.
- Provide practical insights into the workings of NCDC and cooperatives.
- Introduce graduates to the cooperative business model and startup cooperatives.
- Foster leadership and entrepreneurial skills for roles in FPOs under Cooperative Acts.
- Assist cooperatives in preparing business plans and projects.
Benefits of SAHAKAR MITRA Internship Programme
During the SAHAKAR MITRA Internship Programme, interns receive financial support from NCDC as follows:
- Monthly Stipend: Interns receive a consolidated monthly amount of ₹10,000 for four months to help cover out-of-pocket expenses, totaling ₹40,000.
- Report Preparation Expenses: A lump sum of ₹5,000 is provided to cover costs related to data collection, analysis, and report preparation.
Total Financial Support: Interns can earn up to ₹45,000 over the four-month period.
Note: The final month’s stipend of ₹10,000 is paid upon successful completion of the internship, including the submission of required reports.
Internship Duration: The internship is limited to a maximum of four months, following NCDC guidelines.
What is the eligibility criteria for SAHAKAR MITRA Internship Programme?
- Who Can Apply:
- Professional Graduates with at least a Bachelor’s degree in fields like Agriculture, Dairy, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Sciences, Fisheries, Horticulture, Textiles, Handloom, or IT. The degree must be from a UGC/AICTE/ICAR-recognized university or institution and recommended by the Head of the Department.
- MBA/Master’s Students and Graduates in areas such as Agri-Business, Cooperative Management, Commerce (M.Com), Computer Applications (MCA), Finance, International Trade, Forestry, Rural Development, Project Management, or those with Inter ICAI/Inter ICWA qualifications. They must also be recommended by the Head of the Department of a recognized university or institution.
- One-Time Internship:
- An individual can only participate in the internship once.
- Number of Interns and Location:
- Total Interns: NCDC limits the total number of interns to 60 annually, across Regional Offices, LINAC, and Head Office.
- Regional Office Limits: Each Regional Office can host up to two interns at the same time.
- Institutional Limits: A maximum of two interns per year can come from any specific institution.
How to apply for SAHAKAR MITRA Internship Programme?
Application Process:
- Visit the official Portal NCDC: Sahakar Mitra
- First click on ‘New Registration’ and fill in the relevant details like Name, e-mail ID, Date of birth, Mobile number, etc., and generate the password.
- After submitting the registration form, a verification link will be sent on the email ID. After clicking on the verification link, the registration process will be completed.
- After successful registration, the candidate can login by entering the user name (Email ID) and password.
- After login, the ‘Sahakar Mitra Internship Application Form’ is open and the applicant can fill all the relevant details and upload the documents as per the guidelines.
- Click the ‘save’ button as well as ‘Agree with the above declaration’ and submit the form.
- Candidate registration is complete and gets the registration number.
Process of Selection:
- Shortlisting:
- Prospective interns are shortlisted by committees appointed by the Managing Director (MD) of NCDC. The selection is based on the screening of their bio-data and recommendations from their sponsoring institutions.
- Placement:
- Interns are placed at NCDC’s Head Office, LINAC, or Regional Offices (ROs) based on their preferences and the organization’s needs.
- Mentorship:
- Each intern is assigned a designated Mentor, an officer responsible for providing orientation, guidance, and overseeing special assignments and other SIP-related activities.
- Regional Office Focus:
- Interns placed at Regional Offices are expected to focus on a specific cooperative, preparing a business plan or project report to help expand the cooperative’s business.
- Report Submission:
- Within two weeks of completing the internship, interns must submit a detailed report outlining the work they completed, the experience gained, and how they plan to use this knowledge in the future.
- NCDC Ownership:
- The business plan, project report, or any detailed report submitted by the intern becomes the property of NCDC, with no further claim by the intern on its use.
- Publication Restrictions:
- Interns are not allowed to publish any findings, research, or analysis from their internship.
- NCDC Liability:
- NCDC holds no liability for any actions, findings, or results from the intern’s business plan, project report, or activities during the SIP.
Contact Details:
National Cooperative Development Corporation, An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Organization
A Statutory Corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
4, Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016
Tel:+91-11-26962478,26960796 , Fax: +91-11-26962370, 26576032
Website: https://www.ncdc.in/
What are the documents required to apply for SAHAKAR MITRA Internship Programme?
- Passport-size photograph
- Recommendation letter
- Identity proof
- All relevant educational documents
- An e-mail id
- A mobile number
Note: A recommendation letter can be done by the Head of the Department of the UGC/AICTE/ICAR recognized Universities/Institutions as applicable, to the Regional Director NCDC or Chief Director LINAC or Head of HR Division in HO of NCDC.