New Delhi: The Delhi government has initiated a new program aimed at engaging young individuals in the workings of governance. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled the Viksit Bharat Chief Minister Internship Program on Monday, providing students and aspiring leaders the chance to collaborate directly with the government. The first batch consists of 87 students from undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Over the next three months, these interns will work with government departments, senior officials, and field projects, acquiring practical experience in policy-making and public administration. The government views this program as a means to prepare future policymakers and enhance democratic involvement. Gupta described the initiative as historic, enabling youth to participate directly in governance.
“This program is not merely an internship but a co-creation of the future of Delhi and the nation. It will equip youth as ambassadors of a developed India,” she stated during the launch event. The selection process followed multiple stages to ensure fairness and transparency. From a pool of over 2,000 applicants, candidates were narrowed down through an online assessment of their leadership abilities, civic awareness, and grasp of administrative concepts. The final 87 were selected after a one-day boot camp that included workshops, group discussions, and essay writing. Each intern will receive a monthly stipend of Rs20,000 throughout the program’s duration. Their experience will unfold in three phases. The first phase includes training on governance, administration, and policy-making.
The second phase will involve visits to all 70 assembly constituencies in Delhi, where interns will engage with citizens, identify local challenges, and suggest practical solutions. In the final phase, interns will be assigned to government departments to draft policy papers addressing ten significant issues, with two of these being presented to the Chief Minister. The government envisions these interns as “Viksit Bharat Ambassadors,” who will apply their experiences and insights from the program to their academic, social, and community endeavors. The initiative aims to expose youth to governance challenges while equipping them to become solution-focused leaders. Gupta highlighted the program’s reflection of the government’s faith in the youth’s capacity to instigate change.
“The aspirations, struggles, and hopes of the city can find answers in the vigor and vision of young individuals,” she asserted, emphasizing that this initiative is as much about shaping Delhi’s future as it is about empowering the upcoming generation.