New Delhi: The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has introduced its Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme, a meticulously designed initiative to cultivate expertise in the field of internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens.
Launched by S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Chairman, NIXI, the scheme aims to bridge the gap between India’s growing digital aspirations and global internet governance practices. With the digital ecosystem becoming increasingly complex and multi-jurisdictional, this programme aspires to ensure India’s active participation in global IG processes.
Key Objectives of the Internship Scheme
The scheme is built on NIXI’s broader vision of fostering digital governance, ensuring last-mile connectivity, and building an inclusive internet ecosystem. The core objectives include:
- Providing Indian stakeholders with platforms to engage in global internet governance discussions conducted by organisations like ICANN, APNIC, IETF, ISOC, and APTLD.
- Nurturing a domestic talent pool equipped to handle emerging IG challenges and contribute meaningfully to shaping global internet policies.
- Building awareness of Universal Acceptance (UA), multilingual internet, digital identity, and cybersecurity.
- Encouraging participants to disseminate knowledge through structured educational outreach programmes and workshops.
The trained interns will become resource persons for NIXI, supporting long-term capacity-building programmes, delivering lectures, and creating awareness within communities.
Structure and Duration of the Internship
The scheme is offered bi-annually with two distinct tracks:
Six-Month Internship
- Divided into four months of research and two months of practical training.
- Interns are required to independently organise at least four outreach programmes in universities, NGOs, or similar organisations during the practical phase.
Three-Month Internship
- Includes two months of research followed by one month of practical training.
- Interns must organise two outreach programmes during this term.
Outreach and Capacity Building Programmes
Interns will act as ambassadors of internet governance, organising guest lectures, workshops, and seminars to introduce students and local communities to NIXI’s initiatives and the broader IG ecosystem.
- They will raise awareness about cybersecurity, digital identity, Universal Acceptance (UA), and NIXI’s .IN domains.
- Interns will also lead short-term courses, webinars, and training sessions on critical topics like IP management, Internet Governance, and digital infrastructure development.
Special emphasis is placed on engaging underserved communities in rural and semi-urban areas. By collaborating with educational institutions and non-profit organisations, interns will ensure broader outreach and inclusion in internet governance dialogues.
Mentorship and Research Contributions
Each intern will be paired with a mentor chosen from a pool of high-ranking retired government officials, faculty from top universities, and experts from organisations like ICANN, APTLD, and APNIC. The mentorship will involve:
- Assigning tasks aligned with NIXI’s ongoing internet governance projects.
- Guiding interns in writing research papers and articles for renowned journals.
- Drafting proposals for global forums such as ICANN, ISOC, and IETF to enhance India’s visibility in internet governance.
- Mentors will play a key role in refining interns’ skills and expanding their understanding of global trends.
Graduated interns will also have the opportunity to collaborate on white papers, contribute to ongoing NIXI research projects, and participate in both national and international forums to strengthen India’s position in the IG space.
Eligibility Criteria
The internship is open to Indian nationals meeting the following criteria:
- Must be pursuing or have completed a degree in Electronics and Communication, Public Policy, or related fields.
- Should possess a strong academic record, excellent communication skills, and demonstrated research abilities.
- Candidates must commit to a full-time internship for six or three months, depending on the chosen track.
Stipend and Benefits
Interns will receive a monthly stipend of Rs 20,000 during their tenure. Additionally:
- Financial support for organising outreach programmes, including travel and accommodation allowances, will be provided.
- Interns submitting research papers or attending global IG forums may receive travel and accommodation grants, subject to NIXI management’s discretion.
- Successful completion of the programme will earn interns the title of NIXI Internet Influencers.
Role of Internet Influencers
Upon completing the internship, interns must organise at least six awareness programmes annually to retain their Internet Influencer status. These influencers will:
- Conduct capacity-building programmes in educational institutions.
- Work with local organisations to promote .IN domains, digital accessibility, and internet literacy.
- Develop educational materials for NIXI’s outreach initiatives.
- Use social media platforms to advocate for NIXI’s events and milestones, expanding its digital reach.
Interns are expected to demonstrate diligence and adhere to strict guidelines throughout the programme. Intellectual property rights arising from their work will belong to NIXI, and confidentiality about NIXI’s operations and strategies must be maintained. Breaches of these terms may result in termination of the internship.
Leadership Insights
At the launch event, Shri S. Krishnan expressed confidence in the programme’s potential to foster digital policy leaders, stating, “The scheme will empower young minds to make meaningful contributions to their organisations and communities, ensuring a fair and inclusive internet ecosystem.” Shri Bhuvnesh Kumar and Dr Devesh Tyagi echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the transformative role of mentorship and local engagement in addressing emerging IG challenges.
NIXI’s Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme represents a significant step in equipping Indian citizens with the tools and knowledge needed to shape global digital policies.
By fostering local talent, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring outreach in underserved communities, this initiative not only addresses India’s current digital challenges but also positions the country as a key player in the future of internet governance.
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