Source: PIB
Subject: Government Scheme
Context: National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has completed one year of its Internet Governance Internship & Capacity Building Scheme (IGICBS) and marked the milestone with a national-level event in New Delhi.
About Internet Governance Internship & Capacity Building Scheme (IGICBS):
What it is?
- IGICBS is a national internship and capacity-building programme designed to train India’s youth in internet governance, enabling informed participation in national and global internet policy, standards, and technical forums.
Launched in: 2025 (completed one year in January 2026)
Organisations involved:
- National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) – Nodal implementing body
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) – Administrative ministry
Aim:
- Build a skilled pool of Indian professionals in internet governance.
- Strengthen India’s voice and representation in global internet decision-making platforms.
- Promote a safe, inclusive, resilient, and trustworthy internet ecosystem.
Key features:
- Structured internships: 6-month and 3-month terms combining research + practical outreach.
- Mentorship model: Each intern mentored by senior experts from government, academia, or global IG bodies.
- Capacity building & outreach: Mandatory awareness programmes in colleges, universities, NGOs, and local communities.
- Global exposure: Engagement with international internet governance institutions and processes.
- NIXI Internet Influencer pathway: High-performing interns certified to act as long-term ambassadors of internet governance.
- Interdisciplinary focus: Technology, law, public policy, cybersecurity, digital identity, and Universal Acceptance (UA).
Significance:
- Addresses India’s strategic need for informed participation in global internet governance.
- Bridges policy–technology–academia, creating future-ready digital leadership.
