The North News
New Delhi, February 4
India’s pilot phase of the PM Internship Scheme, launched last year, saw the industry extend 1.27 lakh opportunities, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday. Speaking during question hour in the Rajya Sabha, Sitharaman said potential candidates were invited to apply and could select opportunities within their state. A second pilot phase began in January, with nearly 80 additional companies offering placements. “I am glad to say that under this programme, we have placed youngsters in more than 743 districts across the country,” she said. The initiative aims to provide exposure rather than direct employment, Sitharaman noted. “It is part of our government’s effort to prepare youth for jobs while also improving their job readiness,” she said.
Encouraging women’s participation, the scheme prioritizes placements within their districts or states to minimize travel. “Women have found it very helpful,” she added. The government is conducting awareness campaigns and engaging with past participants to assess their experiences. Sitharaman urged Members of Parliament to promote the scheme among youth in their constituencies. “We will be more than happy to have them onboard through a transparent process,” she said.
