NHRC Launches Online Short-Term Internship Programme for Students Across India

New Delhi, 22 September 2025- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India inaugurated its Online Short Term Internship Programme (OSTI) for September 2025 today. From a total of 896 applications, 80 students from 21 States and Union Territories were selected to participate in the two-week programme, which runs from 22 September to 3 October 2025. The initiative aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the promotion and protection of human rights in India.

In his inaugural address, NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal emphasized that human rights are dynamic and require constant re-evaluation and active public engagement. He highlighted that the programme seeks to instill awareness, sensitivity, and responsibility among the youth regarding constitutional values, civil and political rights, social and cultural rights, and contemporary challenges such as climate change, artificial intelligence, cybercrime, and gig economy exploitation. Interns are encouraged to actively participate, ask questions, and internalize principles of justice, empathy, and dignity.

Bharat Lal also noted that emerging areas such as business and human rights, labour rights, and climate-induced displacement are key focus topics of the internship. Joint Secretary Smt. Saidingpuii Chhakchhuak welcomed participants and outlined the programme curriculum, which includes lectures, virtual tours of institutions such as Tihar Jail, shelter homes, and police stations, and interactive activities to deepen understanding of human rights. The programme is designed to equip students with knowledge of international human rights law, domestic issues, and effective advocacy strategies, preparing them to become informed ambassadors of human rights.