As of 2021, the young population of India, aged between 18 and 29, is estimated to be approximately 300 million people, accounting for roughly a quarter of the country's total population.
The majority of this young population is employed in the informal sector, with a smaller percentage being engaged in formal sector jobs or pursuing higher education. India also has the largest youth population in the world, making it a significant demographic and economic force. With proper investment in education and training, this young population has the potential to drive India's growth and development in the coming years.
As a society, it is important that we invest in the next generation and unlock their potential. This can be achieved through developing the youth through activities and opportunities that promote growth and development. Unfortunately, many young people face stagnation due to a lack of resources, lack of hands-on experience, limited access to education, and lack of support networks.
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The lack of supportive networks for youth development is a major issue facing many young people today. Without the guidance of a supportive network, young people do not always have the resources they need to develop into successful adults. Without mentors, advice, and encouragement, they lack the confidence to take risks and explore new opportunities. As a result, young people may struggle to make difficult decisions, get enough education, and develop the soft skills necessary to succeed.
The Government of Madhya Pradesh in association with Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Good governance and policy analysis (AIGGPA) is bridging the gap of skills and knowledge through this six-month internship program called Mukhyamantri Jansewa Mitra Yojna.
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Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, is known for his strong commitment to the growth and development of the state's youth. Through his policies and initiatives, he has demonstrated a deep concern for the well-being and future of the young people in Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh has launched a six-month internship program for young graduates.
The program aims to provide nearly 5000 young people of Madhya Pradesh with a six months long internship experience that will help them grow as professionals.
The program will be run at each block of Madhya Pradesh, giving opportunity to 15 young graduates from each block of MP with a chance to work closely with the government and facilitate schemes and services. As part of the program, interns will receive a stipend of 8000 rupees per month and mentorship from knowledge partners. The mentorship will be provided by industry experts and professionals, who will guide and support the interns in their professional growth.
The 2023 Union Budget places a strong emphasis on empowering the youth of India through skilling programs. The budget allocates significant resources to help young people become more competitive on the global stage. The government's focus on skill development through initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0, which emphasizes training in cutting-edge technologies, reinforces their commitment to supporting the growth and advancement of the country's youth. GoMP is taking initiatives in the similar line. This internship program is a fantastic opportunity for young graduates to get a taste of professional work and gain exposure to the workings of the government.
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This internship program is a fantastic opportunity for young graduates to get a taste of professional work and gain exposure to the workings of the government. It will help them understand the challenges and opportunities that exist in their respective fields and provide them with a platform to put their skills into practice. The hands-on experience they gain will be invaluable in helping them grow as professionals and prepare for a successful career.
This grassroot internship program has several benefits, including:
• Hands-on experience: Interns get an opportunity to work on real projects and gain practical, hands-on experience in their field of study across the geography of Madhya Pradesh.
• Exposure to government workings: Interns get an inside look at the workings of government departments like Panchayti Raj, health, education, women and child development etc. including the challenges and opportunities present in their respective fields.
• Mentorship: Interns receive mentorship from industry experts, development sector experts and professionals who provide guidance and support in their professional growth.
• Networking opportunities: Interns get to meet and work with other professionals, expanding their network and making connections that can be valuable later in their careers.
• Career development: Interns get an opportunity to improve their skills, build their resumes, and gain the experience they need to advance their careers.
• Contribution to society: Interns get to make a meaningful contribution to their communities by facilitating government schemes and services.
• Support for young professionals: This internship program shows the government's commitment to supporting the growth and development of young professionals, providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
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Overall, this good governance internship program is a win-win for both the interns and the government, providing a valuable opportunity for young professionals to gain experience and contribute to their communities.
Youth development and mentorship is an incredibly important component that can help shape the future of young people. Interventions like this internship scheme focuses on creating opportunities for young people to develop essential skills and competencies that can be used throughout their lives. Through internship programs like Janseva Mitra Yojna, young people are empowered to achieve their goals, improved educational outcomes, increased workforce readiness, greater civic engagement and become successful, independent adults.
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The initiation of this internship scheme by the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh is a commendable move towards providing a platform for the young and budding professionals of the state. The program serves as a beacon of hope for the future generations, offering them a chance to gain hands-on experience, exposure to the workings of government, mentorship from industry experts, and a chance to make a meaningful contribution to their communities. This program is a testament to the government's commitment towards the growth and development of the youth and serves as an investment in the future of the state.
(Author: Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice Chairman, AIGGPA, Professor Sachin Chaturvedi works on issues related to development economics, involving development finance, SDGs and South-South Cooperation, apart from trade, investment and innovation linkages with special focus on WTO.)
