Finance Minister Inaugurates ‘Corporate Bhawan’ in Kolkata, Launches First-Ever PM Internship Scheme Facilitation Centre

New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at streamlining corporate governance and enhancing ease of doing business, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman today inaugurated the state-of-the-art Corporate Bhawan in New Town, Kolkata. The new facility is set to become a hub for corporate regulatory services, housing under one roof multiple arms of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), including the Regional Directorate (East), Registrar of Companies, Official Liquidator, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), National Company Law Tribunal (Kolkata Bench), and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).

Speaking at the inauguration, Sitharaman said, “Corporate Bhawan will serve as a true single-window interface for companies, auditors, insolvency professionals, startups, and investors—ensuring timely and efficient delivery of corporate regulatory services.” She emphasized that the consolidation of services would reduce operational costs, speed up approvals, and improve overall efficiency.

Addressing officials of the MCA, the Finance Minister also underscored the evolving role of regulatory frameworks. “Our regulations must not only ensure good governance but also empower enterprise, encourage formalisation, and foster trust in the system,” she said.

The inauguration also marked the launch of India’s first-ever ‘Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) Facilitation Centre’, located on the 7th floor of Corporate Bhawan. This new centre aims to bridge the gap between unemployed youth and industry, providing guidance and support to individuals aged 21–24 who are not in full-time education or employment. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

The PMIS Facilitation Centre will:

• Assist eligible candidates in registering and applying for internships
• Provide career counselling and professional guidance
• Match candidates with appropriate internship opportunities based on qualifications and interests
• Promote awareness about industry pathways through outreach programmes

Sitharaman expressed confidence that the Centre would play a key role in empowering youth and building future-ready talent. “This is not just a facility; it’s a launchpad for thousands of young Indians aspiring to contribute meaningfully to the country’s corporate landscape,” she said.

The seven-storey Corporate Bhawan, with a built-up area of 13,239 square meters, was completed at a cost of Rs. 150.43 crore. The building features modern, eco-friendly design elements including CO₂ sensors for air quality, smart parking solutions, energy-efficient systems, and waste recycling mechanisms—all built to ensure the well-being and productivity of its occupants.