New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a mobile application for the Pradhan Mantri Internship Scheme (PMIS) on 17 March, aiming to improve accessibility for candidates.
She called on the industry to expand its participation in the initiative, which connects young professionals with internship opportunities across India.
Internship Opportunities Expand Under PMIS
During the launch, Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasized the scheme’s role in bridging the gap between youth in Tier-II and Tier-III cities and the job market. She urged companies to engage in the initiative, stating that industry participation could enhance workforce readiness and economic growth.
The second pilot phase of PMIS has seen 325 companies offering nearly 118,000 internships. The scheme, which covers all 735 districts, has received significant interest from applicants. Corporate Affairs Ministry Secretary Deepti Gaur Mukherjee reported that about 115,000 candidates had registered, with 240,000 applications submitted.
Government Considers Expanding Participation Criteria
Mukherjee noted that the government is evaluating ways to widen the scheme’s scope, potentially including companies beyond the top 500 firms based on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending over the past three years.
She also acknowledged that several companies, particularly those facing financial losses, were unable to participate despite their interest. Additionally, 49 firms outside the top 500 list have expressed their willingness to join the scheme.
New App Aims to Improve Access
The newly launched mobile app is expected to simplify the registration process, offering features such as Aadhaar-based authentication, a personalized dashboard, real-time updates and access to a dedicated support team. The government has extended the registration deadline to 31 March, with selected candidates expected to begin internships by 15 May.
The launch signals the government’s ongoing push to strengthen industry-academia collaboration through structured internship programs, but its success will depend on greater corporate participation.
Also Read: ‘Scam Se Bacho’: DoT and WhatsApp Join Forces to Strengthen Digital Safety with New Campaign
