Bihar’s government has launched a new initiative under the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana, offering ₹4,000 monthly stipends to unemployed youth aged 18-28 who have passed Class 12. Aimed at enhancing employability through internships, the scheme also provides skill development training. Higher stipends are offered for diploma and graduate interns, with additional support for out-of-district internships.
Bihar’s New Financial Lifeline for Jobless Youth
In a significant move to address youth unemployment, the Bihar government has rolled out the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana, a scheme designed to provide financial support and skill development opportunities to unemployed youth. Announced on June 20, 2025, this initiative targets individuals aged 18-28 who have completed their Class 12 education, offering them a monthly stipend of ₹4,000 during internship programs with recognized companies. The decision, approved by the Bihar Cabinet, aims to ease financial burdens and boost employability among the state’s educated youth.
The scheme, which was formalized during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, also caters to higher-qualified individuals. Those with ITI or diploma qualifications will receive ₹5,000 per month, while graduates and postgraduates are eligible for ₹6,000 monthly stipends. To support mobility, additional allowances are provided: ₹2,000 per month for internships outside the beneficiary’s home district and ₹5,000 for those pursued outside Bihar. These payments, disbursed directly to bank accounts, are available for a period ranging from three to twelve months, depending on the internship duration.
A key component of the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana is its focus on skill development. Beneficiaries are required to participate in training programs covering soft skills, communication, and basic computer literacy, aligning with Bihar’s broader goal of creating a skilled workforce. The scheme, supervised by a Task Force Committee headed by the Development Commissioner and including industry representatives from bodies like CII and FICCI, aims to benefit 5,000 youth in the 2025-26 fiscal year, with a long-term target of supporting one lakh youth by 2030.
The initiative comes at a time when Bihar grapples with high unemployment rates. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for April 2025, the state’s unemployment rate stood at 5.1% for individuals aged 15 and above, with youth unemployment (15-29 years) significantly higher at 13.8%. The lack of industrial opportunities has long pushed Bihar’s youth toward government jobs or migration for employment, a challenge the scheme seeks to address by fostering industry readiness.
To apply, eligible candidates must register through the state’s employment exchange portal, submitting educational qualifications, identity documents, and proof of Bihar residency. The application process has been designed to be accessible, with plans to establish offline centers to assist those with limited digital literacy. The government is also addressing concerns about transparency, ensuring direct bank transfers to eliminate intermediaries.
This scheme builds on Bihar’s existing efforts to support unemployed youth, such as the Mukhyamantri Nischay Swayam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana (MNSSBY), which provides ₹1,000 monthly to Class 12 pass-outs aged 20-25. However, the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana stands out for its emphasis on internships and higher stipends, marking a strategic shift toward practical, workplace-based training.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from government announcements, news reports, and posts on X. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details through official government portals for the most current information.