In a first of its kind initiative, the central government has decided to engage students (undergrad, postgrad in science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, management, law) in policymaking in education sector.

The HRD ministry rolled out a special internship programme early this week that seeks the involvement of young talent to get a fresh perspective on formulation of policies, implementation of projects and various initiatives in the education sector.

The programme named as MHRD Internship Scheme 2014 would provide two months' internships to students (that can be extended up to six months) pursuing undergraduation, postgraduation or reserach. "The interns would be attached in various bureaus depending on their area of interest. The domains available are technical education (including IITs, IIMs, UGC, AICTE, and research organisations) skill development, deemed universities, distance education, apprentice scheme, school, vocational education etc," said a ministry official.

The scheme aims to seek first-hand information and fresh ideas from the most important stakeholder who has never been consulted in the past though education has always been the pet subject of every government. "Instead of lobbyists we wish to enagage with people to understand their point of view," the official said.

There will be six batches of six people each in the pilot project. The first batch would start work in October-November. Applications for the first three batches will be accepted till August 30. Selected candidates would be paid Rs10,000 a month.

While cabinet secretariate, Ministry of external affairs and couple of other government agenices do offer internships to the postgraduate and research students, the MHRD has come up with the internship for the first time. Besides, MHRD intersnhips are open to undergrads as well.