Corporate Affairs Secretary Questions Companies' Ability to Attract Youth Amid Internship Scheme Challenges
If top companies cannot attract youth, that's 'really questionable': Corporate affairs secretary
The Economic Times
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Corporate Affairs Secretary Deepti Gaur Mukerjee expressed concerns over top companies' inability to attract young talent during the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi. This comes as the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) faces challenges, with thousands of candidates leaving internships uncompleted.
- 01Corporate Affairs Secretary Deepti Gaur Mukerjee highlighted the need for companies to attract youth.
- 02The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) offers financial assistance of ₹9,000 per month to interns aged 18-25.
- 03Over 7,292 candidates left the PMIS without completing their internships in the first two rounds.
- 04Mukerjee emphasized the importance of quality internships over mere numbers.
- 05The PMIS aims to strengthen India's talent pipeline and requires industry commitment.
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During the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Corporate Affairs Secretary Deepti Gaur Mukerjee raised concerns about top companies' ability to attract youth, describing it as 'really questionable.' Her comments come as the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS), which provides financial assistance of ₹9,000 per month to interns aged 18-25, faces challenges. The third round of the PMIS is currently underway, yet reports indicate that 7,292 candidates left without completing their internships in the first two rounds. The first round, launched on October 3, 2024, received 6.21 lakh applications, with 8,760 interns ultimately joining. The second round, starting on January 9, 2025, saw 4.55 lakh applications and 7,300 interns completing their internships. Mukerjee emphasized that the scheme is not just a government initiative but a transformative industry-led effort that requires commitment from companies to improve the quality of internships and attract young talent.
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The challenges faced by the PMIS could hinder young individuals' access to valuable work experience and financial support, affecting their career prospects.
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