Shillong, July 10, 2025: A high-level North East Roundtable Conference on the PM Internship Scheme (PMIS) was held today at the Courtyard Marriott, Shillong, bringing together interns, company representatives, and state officials to deliberate on youth employability and industry readiness.
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who attended the event as the Chief Guest, emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between academic education and industry skills. “While India is enjoying a demographic dividend, industries continue to struggle in finding youth with the required employable skills,” she said. The PM Internship Scheme, she added, aims to address this gap by providing real-world exposure and practical experience to the youth.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the Guest of Honour, echoed her sentiments. “The youth are both India’s greatest opportunity and challenge. It is our responsibility to nurture and empower them so they can contribute meaningfully to nation-building,” he said. He praised the companies offering internships, stating that they are “adding value and making the future of our country stronger.”
Reaffirming Meghalaya’s commitment to the scheme, Sangma said the state is ready to expand participation beyond the pilot phase. He highlighted key sectors like entrepreneurship, food processing, IT, tourism, sports, and music as areas where internships could drive sustainable growth and employment.
The event was also attended by Meghalaya Health Minister Dr Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary D.P. Wahlang, and Ministry of Corporate Affairs Secretary Deepti Gaur Mukerjee. Interns from across the North East shared their experiences, while company representatives and state officials engaged in a lively dialogue.
Launched as part of Budget 2024–25, the PM Internship Scheme envisions one crore internships across the top 500 companies over five years. The pilot phase, launched in October 2024, aimed to provide 1.25 lakh internships.
Earlier in the day, the Finance Minister also inaugurated the Polo Commercial Complex in the presence of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
