The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has unveiled its Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme, offering a unique opportunity for young individuals interested in digital policy. The scheme, introduced on Saturday, aims to build awareness and expertise in internet governance among Indian citizens, with a stipend of Rs 20,000 per month for selected interns.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY and Chairman of NIXI, emphasized the need for diverse individuals from various fields to engage in internet governance and represent societal concerns. “We aim to inspire young minds to contribute to the internet’s growth in a fair and inclusive manner,” he said. Krishnan’s vision for the program is to nurture the next generation of internet governance experts who will play a significant role in shaping global digital policy.
The scheme provides interns with an opportunity to engage with some of the most influential international organizations in the field, including the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the Internet Society (ISOC), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Participants will be able to collaborate with leading experts and contribute to global internet governance processes.
With the program’s bi-annual structure, NIXI offers two internship tracks: a six-month programme and a three-month one. This flexibility allows more candidates to participate while gaining experience and insight into the ever-evolving internet governance landscape. Dr. Devesh Tyagi, CEO of NIXI, stated that this initiative would empower Indian citizens to contribute to the global internet governance ecosystem effectively.
“The programme’s goal is to create a pool of domestic talent capable of addressing emerging internet governance issues and finding resolutions,” said Tyagi. By equipping young minds with the right tools and knowledge, NIXI hopes to foster a digital environment that is not only advanced but also inclusive and accessible to all.
The internship programme also reflects the growing trend among youth to prioritize experience over traditional job stability. This is an excellent opportunity for those passionate about digital policy to gain global exposure and work on real-world issues shaping the future of the internet.
By offering this program, NIXI hopes to pave the way for future leaders in internet governance, who can advocate for fair and accessible digital spaces. This initiative aligns with the larger goal of ensuring that India plays a significant role in global discussions on the future of the internet.
Ultimately, the programme is expected to have a lasting impact on both the participants and the broader internet governance ecosystem, providing a platform for young, innovative thinkers to contribute to a more balanced digital world. As internet governance continues to evolve, initiatives like this will be crucial in preparing the next generation to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s digital landscape.