‘From Opportunity to Exploitation’: The Dark Reality of Unpaid Internships

Shaniya Nawaz | Mohammed Adnan Ahmad

Unpaid internships in India go against the principles of equality, justice, and meritocracy, creating a paradox. Although presented as opportunities for career development, internships mainly benefit students from wealthy backgrounds who can afford to work without payment. This results in a large number of young people, particularly from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, who cannot afford to support themselves with unpaid labour. In his New York Times article, Charles Murray accurately characterized unpaid internships as “career assistance for rich, smart children,” enabling the privileged to easily move from advantage to successful careers.

In the meantime, students from middle- and working-class backgrounds struggle with systemic obstacles, missing out on opportunities and having their potential disregarded. The lack of policies providing equitable payment for interns not only widens socio-economic gaps but also undermines India’s dedication to justice and fairness.

Internships, especially within the legal sector, are essential for a student’s academic development and future professional opportunities. The Bar Council of India requires law students to complete internships lasting between 12 and 20 weeks, however, there is no specification regarding payment. Consequently, numerous students are forced to take on unpaid work, leading to high expenses for moving, meals, and travel. This maintains a system where privilege overrides merit. John Dewey’s belief that “education is a lifelong process that is not just about preparing for the future, but is rather life itself” emphasizes the crucial role of internships in connecting theoretical knowledge with practical experience. However, students
are deprived of the right to fully engage in this important learning opportunity due to insufficient financial backing. Despite covering a broad range, India’s labour laws do not include interns in their protective regulations. The Minimum Wages Act (1948) and other laws protect employees and workers, yet do not include interns, making them susceptible to exploitation. This lack of supervision allows companies to take advantage of interns by not having to compensate them for their efforts, even though interns often provide valuable contributions. Interns’ complete similar responsibilities as full-time staff, but their work is not acknowledged or compensated. This practice violates the legal doctrine of quantum merit, which emphasizes that a person must be fairly remunerated for the value of their services.

As the philosopher Aristotle once said, “Justice is giving people what they are due,” and the denial of remuneration for interns blatantly disregards this principle. Uncompensated internships also directly oppose the constitutional protections outlined in Articles 14 and 21. Article 14 guarantees equality under the law, while Article 21 assures the right to fair and just working conditions. Engaging in unpaid internships goes against these principles, reinforcing inequality and taking advantage of young professionals. The Delhi High Court has emphasized that being paid for work is fundamental, but unpaid internships continue to be common.

Victor Hugo’s words, “To oppress the weak is to insult justice,” strongly reflects the situation of interns whose rights are dismissed in the name of educational experiences.

The societal implications of doing unpaid internships are just as worrying. They increase the divide between the advantaged and disadvantaged, continuing elitism in career fields. Students from disadvantaged economic backgrounds, who cannot afford unpaid internships, miss out on the hands-on experience and networking chances these opportunities offer. This not just hampers their career development but also impedes the variety and inclusiveness of India’s workforce.

According to Nelson Mandela, education is the strongest tool for transforming the world. Depriving students of paid internships prevents them from using this tool, hindering their capacity to make significant impact.
Paid internships go beyond being a mere source of money; they affirm a student’s hard work, offer economic autonomy, and encourage drive. They also assist students in enhancing their resumes, boosting professional self-assurance, and obtaining pre-placement offers (PPOs) through their performance.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The future depends on what you do today,” and paid internships ensure that today’s efforts are valued and rewarded. A paid internship not just compensates hard work, but also makes students feel appreciated, motivating them to perform at their best. The government plays a vital role in addressing this inequality. Collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Labour is necessary to establish strong policies requiring paid internships in every sector. These policies must have equal legal authority as current labour laws to ensure adherence and responsibility. This kind of structure would not just give interns more power, but also motivate employers to establish ethical and inclusive work environments.

According to Benjamin Franklin, justice will only be achieved when those not directly impacted feel just as outraged as those who are. It is time for the Indian government, institutions, and society as a whole to turn this outrage into action. Unpaid internships strip students of the respect and acknowledgment they should receive, making it a type of modern exploitation. By requiring internships to be paid, India can support its constitutional values, lessen socio-economic gaps, and maximize the abilities of its young population.

Erasmus famously stated that the proper education of young people is a nation’s main hope. Making sure interns are paid fairly is more than just a move toward fairness—it is a promise to create a more equal, diverse, and successful society. Let’s substitute exploitation with opportunity, allowing every student to envision, educate, and prosper on a level playing field.

The authors are Delhi-based Law students