Sitharaman kickstarts Meghalaya visit, interacts with youth under PM Internship Scheme

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 10, 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began her four-day official visit to Meghalaya on Thursday with a series of engagements in Shillong.

Sitharaman chaired an interactive session of North East Roundtable under the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS), engaging with interns, industry representatives, and senior officials from various states to review progress and hear firsthand experiences of the flagship initiative.

It was attended by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Ampareen Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary, Donald Phillips Wahlang, and Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Deepti Gaur Mukerjee were also present on the occasion.

The PMIS aims to bridge the gap between education and employability by providing structured internship opportunities to youth across the country.

Addressing the gathering, the Finance Minister emphasized the vision behind the scheme.

“The main objective of the PMIS and the Prime Minister’s vision behind this initiative was to support those who have never had an assignment or a job, those who need to acquire skills and gain exposure. This programme is meant to help you go to the best companies, familiarise yourself with the work environment, and stand a better chance in your careers. I am glad to see you all going out and making the most of this opportunity,” she said.

Drawing a symbolic connection to the day, the Finance Minister added, “Today happens to be Guru Purnima, a day when we remember and honour our teachers and mentors. For many of you, the mentors you meet in these companies will play that role in your lives.”

Sitharaman also encouraged interns aspiring to start their own businesses, assuring them of guidance and full support from the Ministry.

“An internship experience that can trigger the spark of entrepreneurship was not anticipated but this only reflects the intent of this scheme going forward. Both the Government and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs are committed to expanding this initiative. I urge all interns to complete their courses and further go on to become brand ambassadors for PMIS so that other youth can benefit,” she said.

During the roundtable, interns from different states of the North Eastern states shared their journeys, aspirations, and the transformative impact of the programme.

One of the interns from East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya Khlainkupar Lyngkhoi, a Human Resource intern at REC Limited, said the exposure had given him confidence and skills that would help him contribute meaningfully in the workplace.

“One of the most important skills I have acquired is time management. I am handling various responsibilities in the workplace, and I am thankful to the Ministry and the Government for this scheme, which will help us in the future,” he shared.

He expressed his gratefulness to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister for enabling youths from the interior place to avail the benefits from the scheme.