According to reports, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a dedicated mobile application for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme and urged more companies to join the program. Also, the minister says she has appealed to MPs to encourage youth to join the scheme.

On October 3, 2024, the scheme's pilot project was launched with the goal of offering 1.25 lakh internship opportunities to young people in 2024–2025.

Sitharaman, who oversees the Finance and Corporate Affairs ministries, says the program is designed to help young people from Tier II and III cities understand the skills needed by the industry and the availability of jobs after launching the app in the nation's capital.

According to the minister, the plan is intended to close the skills gap in terms of industry expectations and requirements.

The minister stressed that there is neither meddling nor pressure on industry concerning the plan.
Sitharaman stated that the program is for the national good and to encourage more businesses to join.

“Indian industry should participate in the larger interest. You need to open the window for people to have a peek,” says the minister.

According to Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, the program gives young people practical experience and will support Viksit Bharat.

More than 1.27 lakh internship opportunities were offered by the companies in the first round of the scheme's pilot project. The second round of the project began in January of this year, and about 327 organizations posted more than 1.18 lakh internship possibilities. Applications for the second round must be submitted by March 31.

“The website and app for the plan are being made more user-friendly. There are multiple languages accessible. Every language should have its prominence,” says the Union Minister.

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The program, which was unveiled in the Union Budget for 2024–2025, is to give one crore young people internship chances in the top 500 corporations within five years.