The Urban Learning Internship Program (TULIP), a remarkable initiative jointly launched by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), has been making news recently. Providing internship opportunities to 25,000 fresh graduates across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Smart Cities in the country, the program aims to change the approach of education from ‘doing by learning,’ to ‘learning by doing.
Objectives and Concept of TULIP
TULIP has been developed in accordance with the Budget 2020-21 announcement under the theme ‘Aspirational India.’ Its primary objective is to furnish fresh graduates with practical experience through internships related to ‘Smart City’ projects.
Area of Work and Duration
Internship opportunities will span a broad array of sectors, from urban planning, water supply, and waste management, to slum improvement and digital governance. The duration of these internships can vary, ranging from as little as eight weeks to as long as one year.
Eligibility Criteria
Indian citizens who have concluded their final year of college within the preceding 18 months are eligible to apply. Applicants must hold a degree in fields like B. Tech, B planning, B. Arch, BA, BSc, BCom, or LLB.
Benefits of the Program
The program is expected to augment the value-to-market of India’s graduates and cultivate a diverse talent pool. Furthermore, TULIP stands to benefit the ULBs and smart cities, due to the infusion of fresh ideas and youthful vigor. This innovative program is a crucial step towards achieving MHRD and AICTE’s target of 1 crore successful internships by 2025.
About the Smart City Mission
The Smart City Mission is a unique initiative by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. Its objective is to stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life of citizens through local development and smart technology.
Objective and Coverage of the Smart City Mission
The mission aims to foster cities that provide core infrastructure and a decent quality of life to its citizens, through a clean, sustainable environment and smart solutions. It spans 100 cities over a duration of five years, from the financial year 2015-16 to 2019-20.
Financing the Mission
The Smart City Mission is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that provides funding for the selected cities.
Way Forward
While there are numerous skill development initiatives in the country, a significant skill gap remains. The traditional approach to education has resulted in a disconnect between education and industry which needs to be addressed. Thus, initiatives like TULIP are a welcome intervention specifically focusing on these aspects.
