By In a significant move to enhance youth employment in India, the government will roll out a one-year internship scheme in partnership with leading corporations. This initiative, announced as part of the 2024 Budget, is designed to empower young individuals aged 21 to 24 by providing them with valuable work experience in top companies.
Application Process and Timeline
The dedicated online portal for this internship program will be operational from October 3, 2024, allowing companies to upload their available positions. The portal will officially open for candidates to apply starting October 12, 2024.
Who Is Eligible for the Internship?
To ensure the internships benefit those who need them most, several eligibility criteria have been established:
- Candidates must be aged between 21 and 24.
- Applicants should not be engaged in full-time employment.
- Those with immediate family members working in government jobs are ineligible.
Additionally, graduates from premier institutions like IITs, IIMs, IISERs, and those holding professional qualifications such as CA and CMA will not qualify. Instead, the focus will be on youth from Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) and Kaushal Kendras, who will gain hands-on experience in technical fields.
Streamlined Selection Process
The selection of candidates will be managed through an automated backend system. Companies will first review a pool of candidates generated by this system and can request a new selection if they are not satisfied with the initial matches. A dedicated panel of industry and government representatives will ensure the selection process remains unbiased and compliant with the program’s guidelines.
Empowering Youth Through Practical Experience
This initiative represents a crucial step in addressing youth unemployment in India. By offering internships to young individuals from ITI and Kaushal Kendra backgrounds, the government aims to provide them with the skills and experience necessary for future job opportunities.
By partnering with top corporations, the program creates a bridge between education and employment, ensuring that youth receive practical training in high-demand sectors.
Transparency and Fairness in Selection
To promote fairness, the automated selection process eliminates bias and provides all eligible candidates with an equal opportunity to be selected. Companies can review shortlisted candidates and initiate a new selection process if needed, ensuring the best candidates are chosen for each internship role.
The program’s design specifically excludes those from privileged backgrounds, focusing on providing opportunities to those who may struggle to secure internships. This targeted approach helps to level the playing field for young applicants.
A Step Towards a Skilled Workforce
With the launch of this internship program, the Indian government is making strides toward empowering its youth. By collaborating with top 500 companies, the initiative promises to offer invaluable hands-on experience, ultimately enhancing the employability of young candidates. As applications open on October 12, 2024, many hopeful candidates are expected to seize this opportunity to kickstart their careers.