New Delhi, 04 February (HS): Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday that the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme (PMIS) announced last year was not aimed at providing jobs, but its aim was to prepare the youth for jobs and provide them skills. She said that the government wants to allow the youth to get internship or exposure in the top 500 companies. After this they will be in a better position to look for a job.

Responding to a question asked in the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour, the Finance Minister told the House that under the pilot project of the Prime Minister's Internship Scheme started last year, industries have provided 1.27 lakh opportunities. Then potential candidates were asked to apply and after that they were given the opportunity to select within their state. She said that the second pilot project has started from January this year. About 80 more companies have come with offers. Under this program in all the districts of the country, success has been achieved in getting jobs to youth in more than 743 districts.

Sitharaman told the House ,the government is running a lot of awareness campaigns. The government is devoting a lot of time to ensure that more and more youth know about it. We are also talking to candidates who have accepted the offer and telling them about their experience.

She requested all MPs to actively engage with the youth in their respective states and constituencies who want to avail the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Internship Scheme.

The aim of the Pradhan Mantri Internship Scheme is not to provide jobs but to provide information to the youth about the facilities available in the market and to train them. So this was part of our government's effort to provide jobs and also to prepare those who are still not ready for jobs. We are actively encouraging women to apply for this scheme in their district and if not possible in their district, then in their state itself, so that they do not have to travel too far and women have found it very helpful,FM said.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar