India's Smart Village Movement expands rural internships under NEP 2020

The Smart Village Movement (SVM) has launched internship programmes in Meghalaya, aligning with India's National Education Policy 2020, which mandates experiential learning for undergraduates. Since 2021, 35 students from nine colleges have worked on rural development projects, gaining hands‑on experience beyond traditional corporate placements.

The internships aim to fulfill UGC guidelines that emphasize mentorship, real‑world problem solving, and citizenship. Organisers highlight a shift from mere exposure to genuine responsibility, urging institutions to provide meaningful supervision rather than large, un mentored student cohorts.

SVM also promotes international involvement, with a UK‑based scholar serving as a Young Brand Ambassador and raising funds for agricultural projects, illustrating the programme’s broader outreach.