Union Budget 2024: More for new additions in workforce, internship in top 500 companies

One of the fundamental focuses of this budget was to boost skill development, job creation, and employment, with youth being one of its four cornerstones, in addition to women, the poor, and farmers.

And to this front, the FM announced major changes, particularly to benefit first-timers or new additions to the workforce. New entrants across all formal sectors will be eligible for receiving one month worth of wages in three instalments, with a ceiling of Rs 15,000. This is expected to benefit 210 lakh young people who have a maximum annual salary is Rs 1,00,000.

New in the workforce? You'll be paid

Both employers and employees will be incentivised by means of EPFO contributions for the first 4 years of employment. What makes this scheme particularly lucrative for employees is that the government will reimburse EPFO contributions, Rs 3,000 per month, per additional employee, to the employer. For this purpose, all additional employees who have a maximum salary of Rs 1 lakh will be considered.

In order to promote upskilling, the budget also promised loans of up to Rs 7.5 lakh, which will be backed by government' guarantee. It is estimated that this will benefit 25,000 students every year. Youngsters will also be able to get loans of up to Rs 10 lakh for pursuing higher education in domestic educational institutions. Apart from this, around 1,000 industrial training institutes will be upgraded, in order to train 20 lakh youth over the next 5 years.

E-vouchers will be provided to 1 lakh students every year for interest subvention (bringing down the total interest cost) of up to 3% of the total loan amount.

Says Krishnendu Chatterjee, VP and Business Head at TeamLease Services, "The government's commitment to employment and employability is clear with its Rs 1.48 lakh crore provision. This initiative, based on EPFO enrollment, focuses on recognizing first-time employees and includes direct benefit transfers of the first month's salary in three installments for salaries up to Rs 1 lakh".

"Special emphasis is placed on the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Additionally, employers will receive incentives for job creation, with the government reimbursing up to Rs 3,000 per month for two years towards EPFO contributions for each new employee", he continued.

Internship in top companies

The budget also laid out a comprehensive scheme for assisting 1 crore young people to secure a 12-month internship in one of the top 500 companies of the country, over the next 5 years. For this, a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 and a one-time help of Rs 6,000 will be provided. All training costs, along with 10% of the internship costs will be borne by the CSR funds of respective companies.

Sunil Deshmukh, Chair of Global Board of Directors, Institute of Management Accountants noted that " with a Rs 2 lakh crore package for employment and skilling and Rs 1.48 lakh crores allocated to education, employment, and skill development, the budget comprehensively addresses job creation and skill enhancement. First-time workforce entrants will receive a direct transfer of up to ₹15,000, enhancing employability and stimulating economic growth. Overall, these measures demonstrate a strong commitment to economic reform and growth, creating a favorable tax environment that supports innovation, investment, and long-term development.'