Internship target up nearly 6 times

Nod to ₹3,706-cr chip plant

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"WE HAVE A database of over 600,000 registered candidates on the dedicated portal. There's a proposal to enable companies to hire these candidates as and when there's a need," an official said.

MCA had earlier made a series of modifications in the scheme to increase the uptake, including geo-tagging opportunities and streamlining eligibility norms. The ministry identified the unwillingness of many candidates to relocate to other regions due to the "low stipend". But with geo-tagging, candidates can now apply for internship opportunities closer to their residences.

In the first round of the pilot project, just about 8,000 candidates joined companies for internship. The second round (for FY25) has still not concluded, with companies currently shortlisting candidates. Though the internship numbers may have improved in the second round, the total intake might fall significantly short of the target of 125,000, sources said. "The recruitment drive is under progress. A total of 118,000 opportunities have been offered by companies in the second round. We are expecting that the final intake to be around 50% of that. We are hopeful that the numbers will improve in the current financial year," said the official.