By In a move to empower young professionals and provide them with industry exposure, the Indian government, in partnership with leading corporate firms, is rolling out a one-year internship scheme for the youth. Set to commence with the launch of a dedicated portal, this scheme will target individuals between 21 and 24 years of age, aiming to provide them hands-on experience in various industries.
The initiative, first announced in the Union Budget, will be implemented by the top 500 companies in India. These companies will upload available internship positions starting October 3, 2024, with the portal going live for candidate applications on October 12, 2024. This collaboration is seen as a significant step towards reducing youth unemployment and addressing the skills gap in various sectors.
Who is Eligible for the Internship Scheme?
The government has outlined specific criteria to ensure the scheme benefits deserving candidates. To apply for the internships, candidates must meet the following conditions:
- Be between the ages of 21 and 24.
- Not engaged in full-time employment.
- Not belong to a family with a member in government service.
Additionally, graduates from top institutions such as IIT, IIM, IISER, or those holding professional qualifications like CA or CMA will be excluded from the scheme. The focus is on providing opportunities to youth from ITI (Industrial Training Institutes) and Kaushal Kendras, institutions aimed at enhancing vocational and technical skills.
Portal Details and Selection Process
The portal launching on October 3 will initially serve as a platform for companies to upload their internship openings. From October 12, candidates will be able to browse and apply for these positions.
The selection of candidates will involve an automated backend system, ensuring an unbiased and fair process. A bot will shortlist suitable applicants based on their qualifications and eligibility criteria. Companies can then review these shortlisted candidates and make their selections.
In case a company feels that the candidate selected does not meet their specific needs, the process will restart, and the panel will step in to ensure transparency. A panel comprising government officials and industry experts will be formed to address any issues related to the selection process, thus maintaining fairness and preventing bias.
A Step Towards Reducing Youth Unemployment
With this internship scheme, the government hopes to tackle one of the pressing issues faced by Indian youth – unemployment. The scheme is designed to give young individuals, particularly those who have not had access to premium educational institutions, a chance to gain valuable experience in leading companies across industries. This practical exposure can significantly enhance their employability.
Experts believe that such initiatives are crucial in a country like India, where a large portion of the population is young and job opportunities are limited in certain sectors. By partnering with India Inc., the government is encouraging corporations to invest in the nation’s future workforce.
Ensuring a Fair and Transparent System
The implementation of the automated selection process is a key feature of the scheme. By eliminating human bias, the program promises a merit-based selection process. Moreover, the panel overseeing the program will address any grievances related to selection, ensuring compliance with the laid-out guidelines.
The government’s decision to exclude candidates from privileged backgrounds – such as families with government jobs or those who have studied at premier institutions – is seen as a move to focus on economically and socially disadvantaged groups. This will ensure that the scheme benefits individuals who genuinely need these opportunities to advance in their careers.
A Boost for India’s Young Workforce
As the internship scheme rolls out on October 3, it is expected to make a significant impact on India’s employment landscape. By focusing on youth who have had limited access to elite educational institutions and providing them with opportunities to gain industry experience, the government is taking a proactive step toward reducing unemployment and addressing the skills gap. The scheme’s success will largely depend on how well it is executed and embraced by both the corporate sector and eligible candidates.
