As India moves toward a more employment-ready youth population, internships are emerging as a crucial link between education and industry. A recent report highlights that 81% of India Inc. supports the PM Internship Scheme, with a significant 34.43% of companies allocating up to 20% of their CSR budgets to internship programs. This growing trend underscores the corporate sector’s commitment to workforce readiness and skill development, especially for marginalized communities.
To understand this transformation, TheCSRUniverse spoke with Mr. Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO, TeamLease EdTech, a key player in bridging the academia-industry gap through structured internship programs. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Rooj shares insights on why companies are increasingly investing CSR funds into internships, how such initiatives are driving employability, and what the future holds for India’s education-to-employment ecosystem. He also sheds light on the challenges of large-scale internship implementation, the role of SMEs, and the importance of inclusivity in internship programs.
Read on to explore how internships are becoming a strategic CSR investment that not only enhances employability but also fuels economic growth and social impact.
Q. How do you view the role of internship programs within corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly given the strong support for the PM's Internship Scheme from India Inc.?
A. Internship programs within CSR initiatives are a transformative tool that align corporate goals with national priorities. The PM Internship Scheme is a prime example of how structured internships can bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating a sustainable talent pipeline. With 81% of companies backing the scheme, India Inc. has demonstrated its commitment to workforce readiness, while also contributing to broader societal impact. Internships under CSR help address skill gaps and provide youth with real-world exposure, creating a ripple effect of employability and economic growth.
Q. The report highlights that 34.43% of companies are allocating up to 20% of their CSR budgets to internship programs. Could you elaborate on the factors driving this financial commitment? How do you help corporates channel CSR funds into impactful internship opportunities?
A. The financial commitment reflects the growing acknowledgment among corporates that internships are not just a compliance activity but a strategic investment in India’s future. Factors driving this include the ability to address employability challenges, build a skilled workforce, and achieve measurable social impact. At TeamLease EdTech, we work closely with corporates to design and implement internship programs that are aligned with their CSR goals. From facilitating collaborations with universities to ensuring compliance with the PM Internship Scheme, we act as a bridge between corporates and beneficiaries, ensuring impactful utilization of CSR funds.
Q. How do internship programs contribute to addressing India's employability challenges and preparing students for the workforce? Based on your research, what are the primary motivations for young individuals to pursue internships?
A. Internship programs address India’s employability challenges by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, equipping students with industry-relevant skills and preparing them for meaningful careers. The provision of stipends enables students from financially weaker sections to access education and work opportunities without financial strain, empowering them to focus on learning and growth. Our research shows that young individuals are motivated by the chance to gain professional exposure, enhance their resumes, and secure full-time employment. Internships also provide mentorship, build confidence, and develop critical skills like adaptability and problem-solving, setting students on a path to long-term success.
Q. Many companies express a preference for partnerships with universities. How does the organisation facilitate collaboration between universities and corporates to align internships with industry needs? What are the challenges and opportunities in fostering meaningful academia-industry collaborations?
A. We facilitate academia-industry collaboration by acting as a conduit between universities and corporates. Our approach includes co-designing internship programs, ensuring alignment with industry standards, and providing training modules that meet employer expectations. The challenge lies in bridging the communication gap between academia and industry, but this also presents an opportunity to create standardized, scalable programs that benefit both stakeholders. By fostering dialogue and partnerships, we ensure that internships address both academic and industry needs.
Q. Could you share some examples or case studies of companies that have successfully leveraged CSR funds for impactful internship programs?
A. One example is a BFSI internship program we co-designed with a leading corporate. Through structured internships funded by CSR, participants received financial literacy training, hands-on banking experience, and certifications. Many of these interns transitioned to full-time roles, demonstrating the program’s success in creating employability. Another case involved a manufacturing company that used CSR funds to skill and place interns in production roles, addressing both industry workforce gaps and employability challenges for marginalized communities.
Q. While the PM Internship Scheme primarily targets large corporations, how can small and medium enterprises (SMEs) be incentivized to participate in internship programs?
A. SMEs play a critical role in India’s economy, and incentivizing their participation is crucial. Tax benefits, simplified compliance processes, and government-subsidized training programs could encourage SMEs to take part. At TeamLease EdTech, we work with SMEs to design cost- effective internship models that align with their resources while contributing to employability goals. Creating consortiums where SMEs collaborate on shared internship programs can also optimize resources and impact.
Q. The report mentions that 54.05% of companies anticipate measurable SROI from CSR-driven internships within 1-2 years. Could you elaborate on the metrics or indicators used to measure this impact?
A. Measuring Social Return on Investment (SROI) includes tracking metrics such as the percentage of interns placed in full-time roles, skill development benchmarks achieved, and the diversity of beneficiaries impacted. Other indicators include improved employability scores, enhanced productivity for hiring companies, and the long-term income stability of beneficiaries. By quantifying these outcomes, companies can assess the tangible and intangible benefits of their CSR investments.
Q. How can the PM Internship Scheme ensure inclusivity, particularly for women, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities?
A. Inclusivity can be achieved by designing internships that address the unique challenges faced by these groups. For women, offering flexible hours and safe working environments is critical. For marginalized communities and persons with disabilities, targeted skilling programs, accessible infrastructure, and mentorship initiatives can level the playing field. The PM Internship Scheme already provides a framework for CSR funds to support such initiatives, and we advocate for corporates to prioritise inclusivity in their internship programs.
Q. With an increase in investment for internships, how do you foresee the future of internships in India, and what would be your role in this transformation? What challenges do companies face in implementing large-scale internship programs, and how can these be addressed?
A. The future of internships in India is promising, with growing investment signaling a shift toward structured talent development. At TeamLease EdTech, we envision a system where internships become an integral part of education and workforce planning. Challenges such as lack of infrastructure, budget constraints, and skill mismatches can be addressed through multi- stakeholder collaborations, digital tools for scaling programs, and government incentives. Our role is to enable corporates, academia, and students to navigate these challenges and unlock the full potential of internships.
Q. Looking ahead, what innovations or reforms would you like to see in India’s education and employability ecosystem to make the transition from “learning to earning” more seamless and impactful?
A. We envision reforms such as integrating internships into the academic curriculum, creating a national internship registry, and increasing government incentives for participation. Digital platforms to track progress and outcomes, along with multi-stakeholder partnerships, can further enhance the ecosystem. The focus should be on creating holistic learning experiences that combine technical skills with soft skills, ensuring that India’s youth are not just employable but future-ready.
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