Revitalizing India's Talent: Challenges and Opportunities in the PM Internship Scheme

A senior official expressed concerns over companies failing to attract youth under the PM Internship Scheme, highlighting the need for a strategic approach to improve the program. The scheme offers financial assistance to interns and aims to strengthen India's talent pipeline, with a call for industry commitment beyond numbers.

A senior government official has raised concerns about the lackluster response from top companies in attracting youth through the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), questioning the current approach to engaging young talent.

Speaking at the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, Corporate Affairs Secretary Deepti Gaur Mukerjee emphasized the need for a transformative, industry-led initiative rather than treating PMIS as a mere government program. She urged companies to focus on the value and quality of internships offered, beyond just meeting numbers.

Despite challenges, over 150,000 internship offers have been made in the initial rounds of PMIS, with a substantial number of youth joining, although some left before completion. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs remains open to recommendations for enhancing the scheme's impact.