Delhi’s new Viksit Delhi CM’s Internship Programme, launched by CM Rekha Gupta, offers 150 young changemakers a chance to engage in governance with a ₹20,000 monthly stipend. Aimed at skill development and participatory policymaking, the initiative aligns with PM Modi’s vision to empower youth in urban mobility, healthcare, and digital innovation.
Delhi’s Viksit Internship Programme Targets Youth Empowerment
On July 1, 2025, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Viksit Delhi Chief Minister’s Internship Programme, a transformative initiative designed to engage 150 young individuals in governance and policymaking. The programme offers a monthly stipend of ₹20,000 for three months and targets youth aged 18–28, providing hands-on experience in areas such as urban mobility, healthcare, waste management, and digital innovation.
The selection process is transparent, with applications accepted online and candidates evaluated based on leadership skills, civic awareness, and administrative understanding. Gupta emphasized the programme’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Amrit Peedhi’ vision, which positions youth as active partners in India’s development. “This is a covenant between Delhi and its youth, encouraging them to actively shape the city’s future,” Gupta said in a statement.
The initiative aims to create “Viksit Delhi ambassadors,” young leaders who will advocate for the city’s development vision across campuses, communities, and digital platforms. By involving youth in real-world problem-solving, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between governance and the younger generation, fostering a model of participatory development.
In addition to Delhi’s efforts, other states like Bihar have introduced similar schemes. Bihar’s Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana, launched on July 2, 2025, targets 1 lakh youth over five years, offering financial support for internships to those who have completed skill development training or hold qualifications from Class 12 to postgraduate levels. The scheme, with a budget of ₹685.76 crore, provides ₹4,000 monthly for internships lasting three to 12 months.
Nationally, the Government of India is prioritizing skill development to address unemployment. The National Career Service (NCS) portal connects job-seekers with over 4 million job listings and offers free career counseling and skill development courses. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) supports first-time entrepreneurs with subsidies up to 35% of project costs, requiring a 15-day entrepreneurship training.
A recent report highlights that 61% of Indian companies are implementing skills-based initiatives to prepare a future-ready workforce, with 57% of respondents in a survey of 135 organizations across the Asia-Pacific region considering skills critical for business success. This underscores the growing emphasis on skilling to meet the demands of a dynamic economy.
Delhi’s internship programme stands out for its focus on governance exposure, offering a unique opportunity for youth to contribute to policy decisions. The initiative is expected to set a precedent for other states, promoting a collaborative approach to urban development and youth empowerment.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and publicly available information from sources such as Hindustan Times, India Today, The Hindu, and Times of India. The details provided are accurate as of July 3, 2025, and are subject to change as new information emerges. Readers are encouraged to verify details through official government portals.