Bihar’s government launched the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana on June 3, 2025, offering monthly stipends of ₹4,000-₹6,000 to one lakh youths for internships from 2025-31. Aimed at enhancing skills and employability, the scheme targets 12th pass, ITI/diploma holders, and graduates, with ₹685.76 crore allocated. The initiative is part of the ‘7 Nischay-2’ program to empower Bihar’s youth.
Bihar’s Ambitious Push to Empower Youth with Stipend Scheme
On June 3, 2025, the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, rolled out the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana, a transformative initiative designed to bolster the employability of the state’s youth. This scheme, part of the flagship ‘7 Nischay-2’ program, aims to provide financial support and practical training to one lakh young individuals over the next six years, from 2025-26 to 2030-31. With a budget of ₹685.76 crore, the program is poised to address unemployment and under-employment challenges among educated youth in Bihar.
Under the scheme, eligible youth aged 18-28 will receive monthly stipends based on their educational qualifications. Those who have passed their 12th-grade examinations will be entitled to ₹4,000 per month, while ITI or diploma holders will receive ₹5,000. Graduates and postgraduates undertaking internships will get ₹6,000 monthly. The stipends are designed to support youth during their internship periods in recognized companies, facilitating skill development and real-world workplace experience.
The state cabinet approved the scheme on June 1, 2025, with an initial allocation of ₹40.69 crore for the financial year 2025-26, where 5,000 youth will be selected for internships. Over the subsequent five years, the government plans to disburse ₹129 crore annually to scale up the program, targeting a total of one lakh beneficiaries. A Task Force Committee, headed by the Development Commissioner and including industry representatives from organizations like CII and FICCI, will oversee the selection process and ensure transparency.
To further support participants, the scheme includes provisions for additional allowances for interns working outside their home district or beyond Bihar, capped at three months. All payments will be directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring efficiency and accountability. The government is set to announce the application process and portal details soon, making it accessible for eligible youth to apply.
This initiative comes at a politically significant time, with Bihar’s Assembly elections expected by November 2025. The scheme is seen as a strategic move by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government to address youth unemployment, a pressing issue in the state. Alongside this, the cabinet has approved other welfare measures, including increased pensions for widows and senior citizens, raising their monthly support from ₹400 to ₹1,100 starting July 2025.
The Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana is being hailed as one of India’s first state-backed internship aid programs, focusing on bridging the gap between education and employment. By combining financial support with skill-building opportunities, the scheme aims to foster leadership, networking, and career advancement among Bihar’s youth, aligning with the state’s broader goal of creating a self-reliant and job-ready generation.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from government announcements, news reports, and posts on X. The details provided are accurate as of July 5, 2025, but may be subject to change as the scheme’s implementation progresses. Readers are advised to verify details through official government sources.