New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a sweeping internship scheme aimed at empowering the youth and bolstering India’s economic landscape. The initiative, set to span five years, promises to benefit one crore young individuals by providing them invaluable exposure in top 500 companies across various sectors.
Under this scheme, youth participants will engage in real-life business environments and diverse professions for a duration of 12 months. Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted that each intern will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000, along with a one-time assistance of Rs 6,000. Moreover, the training costs will be borne by the participating companies, with an additional 10 percent subsidized through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
The Finance Minister’s proposal is poised to significantly enhance skill development and employment prospects among the nation’s youth. Sitharaman emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating investments in ready-to-plug-and-play industrial parks across 100 cities, in collaboration with states and private entities. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the National Industrial Corridor Programme, which aims to establish 12 new industrial parks.
In response to the announcement, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh noted similarities between the internship scheme and his party’s proposed 'Pehli Naukri Pakki' Apprenticeship Programme outlined in the INC's Nyay Patra 2024. He hailed the initiative as a positive step towards addressing youth employment concerns.
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