Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of youth-focused initiatives valued at over ₹62,000 crore, emphasizing education, skill development, and entrepreneurship. A significant portion of these schemes is directed towards Bihar, reflecting the state's pivotal role in the nation's development.
Key Highlights of the Initiatives
PM-SETU: Transforming ITIs Nationwide
The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme is a centrally sponsored program with an investment of ₹60,000 crore. This initiative aims to modernize 1,000 government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India under a hub-and-spoke model. The first phase will focus on ITIs in Patna and Darbhanga, underscoring Bihar's central role in the program. Each hub ITI will be linked with four spoke ITIs, creating clusters equipped with advanced infrastructure, modern trades, digital learning systems, and incubation facilities. The scheme is designed to enhance the employability of youth by aligning training with industry demands.
Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana: Financial Support for Graduates
In a significant move to support graduates, the Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana has been revamped. Under this scheme, nearly five lakh graduate youth in Bihar will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 each for two years, along with free skill training. This initiative aims to ease the financial burden on graduates while enhancing their employability through skill development.
Redesigned Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme: Easing Access to Higher Education
The Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme has been redesigned to provide interest-free education loans of up to ₹4 lakh. This modification significantly reduces the financial barriers to higher education, enabling more students to pursue their academic aspirations without the burden of high-interest loans.
Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University: Advancing Vocational Education
The Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University has been inaugurated in Bihar to impart industry-oriented courses and vocational education. This institution aims to create a globally competitive workforce by offering programs tailored to the needs of various industries, thereby bridging the gap between academic learning and industry requirements.
Bihar Yuva Ayog: Institutionalizing Youth Empowerment
To channelize and harness the potential of the state's young population, the Bihar Yuva Ayog has been formally inaugurated. This statutory commission will represent and address the aspirations of citizens between the ages of 18 and 45, positioning youth at the center of Bihar's development vision.
Additional Developments
- Vocational Skill Labs: The inauguration of 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 States and Union Territories aims to provide students, including those from remote and tribal areas, with practical training in high-demand sectors such as IT, automotive, agriculture, electronics, logistics, and tourism.
- NIT Patna Bihta Campus: The Bihta campus of NIT Patna has been dedicated to the nation. With a capacity to host 6,500 students, the campus houses advanced facilities, including a 5G use case lab, a Regional Academic Centre for Space established in collaboration with ISRO, and an Innovation and Incubation Centre that has already supported nine start-ups.
- Appointment Letters and Scholarships: Over 4,000 newly recruited candidates in the Government of Bihar have received appointment letters. Additionally, ₹450 crore in scholarships have been released through Direct Benefit Transfer to 25 lakh students of Class 9 and 10 under the Mukhyamantri Balak/Balika Scholarship Scheme..
