Prime Minister Internship Scheme Gets Major Push in Odisha Through UCCIL Event
In a significant move to enhance youth employability in Odisha, a major job fair was organized in Bhubaneswar on November 16, 2025. The event, held at the Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industry Ltd. (UCCIL) conference hall, served as a crucial platform for the 'Prime Minister Internship Scheme' (PMIS). This initiative brought together government bodies, industry leaders, and aspiring young professionals, aiming to forge direct pathways from education to practical, real-world careers.
Bridging Education and Industry
The job fair was held under the banner of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. It was facilitated by the Registrar of Companies-cum-Official Liquidator (RoC-cum-OL), Odisha, with key support from UCCIL. Its core purpose was to promote the Prime Minister Internship Scheme, a flagship central government program.
This scheme is specifically designed to address the persistent gap between academic learning and the specific skills demanded by modern industry. By placing young graduates and diploma holders into top companies, PMIS provides invaluable hands-on business experience. This practical exposure is considered essential for building a competent and job-ready workforce.
Structure of Opportunity
Participation in the PMIS offers a structured and supportive entry into the professional world. Internships under this program run for a full 12-month period. A significant portion of this time, at least half, is spent working directly within a real-world job environment, not just in training.
To support the interns, the scheme provides a monthly stipend, which is co-funded by both the government and the participating company. Additionally, interns receive a one-time grant upon successfully joining the program. This financial support structure is intended to make the opportunity accessible and sustainable for the young participants.
Pathways for Odisha's Youth
The program targets a specific demographic of young, aspiring Indians. To be eligible, candidates must be Indian citizens between the ages of 21 and 24. A key requirement is that applicants cannot currently be engaged in full-time employment or full-time education, although online and distance learning programs are permitted.
The scheme is open to individuals with a range of educational backgrounds. This includes those who have completed High School, earned an ITI Certificate, a Polytechnic Diploma, or a foundational bachelor's degree such as a B.A., B.Sc., or B.Com. Eligible candidates are directed to register and apply for these opportunities through the designated government online portal.
Industry Commits to Talent
The success of the job fair was underscored by the strong participation from Odisha's corporate sector. Eleven prominent member companies of UCCIL attended the event, which ran from 10 AM to 4 PM, to interview and engage with potential interns.
The participating firms represented a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, mining, technology, finance, and exports. Key participants included major players like JSW, Utkal Alumina, and CSM Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Also present were S N Mohanty Group of Companies, MGM Group of Companies, Falcon Marine Exports Ltd., Batoi Systems Pvt. Ltd., Bandhan Bank, Janaki Industrial Products Pvt. Ltd., Annapurna Finance, and Bhil Systems. This diverse corporate presence provided candidates with a wide array of potential career paths.
Leadership and Organization
Leadership from both the government and the business community was present to oversee the event's first phase. Shri Sudhir Kapur, the Registrar of Companies for Odisha, and Shri Saurabh Raha, the Assistant Registrar of Companies, were in attendance with their team.
The UCCIL leadership, which played a vital role in managing the program, was represented by its President, Dr. Prabodh Mohanty, and Honorary Secretary, Dr. Sanjeeb Mahapatra. Other key UCCIL office-bearers, including Shri J.K. Rath (Vice-President, Industry), Shri Santosh Agrawal (Honorary Joint Secretary), and Shri S. Kanhu Ranjan Pusty (Honorary Joint Treasurer), were also instrumental in the event's execution. Logistical arrangements were managed by Shri Narayan Kumar, the Honorary Treasurer.
