PM Internship scheme exceeds expectations with 125,000 openings
PM Internship scheme exceeds expectations with 125,000 openings
Proposals for the government’s internship program have exceeded expectations, with placements expected to be finalized by December 2.
The number of positions offered by companies for the PM Internship Scheme targeting young job-seekers has greatly exceeded the government’s annual goal. At around 125,000, the openings have easily exceeded the government’s target for the year and applicants will be assigned to their jobs beginning December 2, two officials said.
The program aims to address youth unemployment by providing internships to 10 million young people over the next five years. These internships will equip participants with vital workplace experience, significantly improving their prospects of securing jobs after completing the program.
Data released last month by the statistics ministry revealed that India’s annual unemployment rate held steady at 3.2% for the period spanning July 2023 to June 2024, mirroring the rate from the previous year.
“What sets this Scheme apart is its independence from existing skill development schemes, apprenticeships, and student training initiatives currently implemented across all states and union territories of India. By focusing solely on internships, the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme seeks to create a tailored experience that enhances employability and provides young people with real-world exposure,” says the Press Information Bureau website.
The number of openings provided by companies for the PM Internship Scheme aimed at young job-seekers has surpassed the government’s annual target, reaching approximately 125,000.
“The internship scheme will give our youth a unique opportunity to work in world-class companies. They will be exposed to corporate best practices and be able to imbibe their work culture, which will help them to find employment opportunities in downstream industries,” said labour and employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
Private-sector companies have reported more apprenticeship opportunities than the target of 125,000, as stated by an official. To date, the government has processed around 60,000 applications.
The government will review applications and align skills and qualifications with available positions through a software powered by generative artificial intelligence.
The initiative has successfully attracted a total of 500 companies, featuring major players like Maruti Suzuki India and Reliance Industries.
Candidates who have completed at least 10th grade, are between the ages of 21 and 24 and do not currently hold a full-time position are eligible for selection.
The government’s Economic Survey 2024 reveals that India needs to create 7.85 million non-farm jobs each year until 2030 to support its expanding labor force, a figure that greatly surpasses the current employment levels.
