PM Internship Scheme Nears Full Launch: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Friday that the pilot phase of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) is nearing completion. The government is preparing to seek Cabinet approval for the scheme’s formal launch. This update was shared during a roundtable discussion focused on the scheme’s implementation in India’s North East region.

Training 10 Million Youth Over Five Years

The PMIS is designed to equip 10 million young Indians with practical skills through internships in leading companies over the next five years. By creating real-world learning opportunities, the scheme aims to address India’s persistent skills gap and boost employment prospects among the youth. Highlighting India’s demographic advantage, Sitharaman stated, “India is going through a decade or more of demographic dividend. If we can harness the productive skills of our youth, it will add significantly to the economy.”

Ensuring Awareness and Inclusive Access

The Finance Minister stressed the importance of raising awareness about PMIS to ensure equitable access. “Word-of-mouth campaigns can help ensure that no deserving candidate is left behind,” she emphasised. She also called on industries to extend internship opportunities not only within their core operations but across their entire supply chains. This approach, she noted, will broaden reach and help integrate more young people into productive work environments.

Addressing the mismatch in the labour market, Sitharaman remarked, “Employers are not finding the right people, and young people are not finding the opportunities they seek. The government is trying to bridge this gap.” By aligning industry needs with youth training, the PMIS seeks to create a more dynamic and responsive employment ecosystem.

A Call for Ethical Globalisation

Beyond the internship scheme, Sitharaman touched upon broader economic themes, advocating for a reimagined form of globalisation that aligns with local interests and ethical capitalism. “We don’t need globalism that sweeps us out. What we need is to embed business with more accountable practices, with a level of humanism,” she said.

Also Read: Govt Considers Stipend Hike for PM Internship Scheme Amid Low Response

As part of a broader national strategy, the PMIS represents the government’s commitment to empowering India’s youth, strengthening workforce readiness, and fostering inclusive growth. By tapping into the energy and aspirations of its young population, India aims to build a more resilient and future-ready economy.

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