The Indian government, in collaboration with top corporations, is rolling out an internship scheme for individuals aged 21-24. The one-year program will open for applications on October 12, 2024, giving young people from ITI and Kaushal Kendra institutes a chance to gain practical industry experience. Exclusions apply to those with family members in government jobs and students from premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, and IISERs.
Government to Launch Internship Program for Youth in Collaboration with Top 500 Companies
In a significant initiative aimed at boosting youth employment, the Indian government will partner with the country’s top 500 companies to roll out a one-year internship scheme for individuals aged 21 to 24. This scheme, part of the 2024 Budget announcements, will provide practical industry experience to young people from ITI and Kaushal Kendra backgrounds.
The dedicated online portal will open for companies to upload internship positions from October 3, 2024. Candidates will be able to apply for these internships starting October 12. This scheme is designed to target individuals who are not full-time employees and come from families without government jobs.
Who Can Apply for the Internship?
To ensure the internships reach the intended demographic, the government has set specific criteria for applicants:
- Age must be between 21 and 24 years.
- Candidates should not be engaged in full-time employment.
- Candidates should not belong to families with government jobholders.
Additionally, graduates from premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, IISERs, and those holding professional certifications such as CA and CMA will be excluded from the program. Instead, the focus will be on youth from Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and Kaushal Kendras, which emphasize skill development in technical and vocational fields.
Portal Launch and Selection Process
The portal will first allow companies to upload available internship positions beginning October 3. From October 12, candidates can log in to view and apply for the internships.
A backend bot will automatically shortlist candidates for each position based on eligibility criteria. The companies can then review and make their final selections. In cases where companies find the automatically selected candidate unsuitable, they can revert to restart the selection process. A government-industry panel will oversee any issues related to selection to ensure the program remains unbiased.
Boosting Employment and Skills
This internship scheme is expected to provide much-needed exposure and experience to a large segment of Indian youth who may not have access to top-tier education or professional networks. It is a part of the government’s broader plan to address the skills gap and enhance employability in various industries.
By collaborating with India Inc., the government is creating pathways for youth to gain valuable work experience. With the focus on ITI and Kaushal Kendra graduates, the scheme emphasizes providing hands-on, practical learning in technical sectors where skilled labor is in demand.
Ensuring Transparency in Selection
The automated candidate selection process will minimize bias and ensure that every eligible candidate has an equal chance of being selected. A panel consisting of government and corporate representatives will also oversee the fairness of the selection process, ensuring transparency and compliance.
This scheme, by excluding candidates from privileged backgrounds—such as those with government-employed family members or those educated at premier institutions—targets youth who often face barriers to entry in India’s competitive job market.
A Game-Changer for Youth Employment
The upcoming launch of the internship portal marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to improve youth employment. With the government’s push to partner with top companies, the program promises to provide invaluable opportunities for young people from less-privileged backgrounds. The success of this scheme will hinge on its effective implementation and how well it is embraced by both companies and eligible youth.
Saathee Global
