Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has launched ambitious schemes to boost youth employment ahead of the 2025 elections, including the CM-PRATIGYA scheme offering internships and stipends up to ₹6,000. Over 1.4 lakh jobs have been created, with plans for 5 lakh more, aiming to transform Bihar’s economic landscape and empower its youth.
Nitish Kumar’s Ambitious Plan to Empower Bihar’s Youth
In a strategic move ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has unveiled a series of youth-centric initiatives aimed at tackling unemployment and enhancing employability. The flagship program, the Chief Minister-Promotion of Readiness, Awareness and Technical Insights for Guiding Youth Advancement (CM-PRATIGYA) scheme, is a cornerstone of his government’s ‘7 Nischay-2’ initiative. Announced on July 2, 2025, the scheme promises to provide internships to one lakh youth between 2025-26 and 2030-31, offering monthly stipends ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 based on educational qualifications.
Under CM-PRATIGYA, youth who have passed Class 12 will receive ₹4,000 per month, ITI or diploma holders will get ₹5,000, and graduates or postgraduates undertaking internships will receive ₹6,000. The scheme, backed by a budget of ₹686 crore over five years, will commence with 5,000 internships in 2025-26, with ₹40.69 crore allocated for the first year. Nitish Kumar emphasized that the initiative aims to foster advanced skills, leadership development, and networking opportunities to make Bihar’s youth job-ready and self-reliant.
Beyond internships, the Nitish Kumar-led government claims to have created over 1.4 lakh government jobs in the past year, with a focus on sectors like education and policing. A recent report highlighted that the state has provided employment to over 5 lakh youth, significantly altering Bihar’s economic and social landscape. This recruitment drive includes teaching positions and police vacancies, addressing long-standing demands for stable government jobs.
The government has also introduced financial incentives to support unemployed youth. A separate scheme offers ₹1,000 monthly assistance to unemployed individuals aged 20–25 for two years to cover expenses like travel and accommodation while they seek employment opportunities. Additionally, the state is promoting entrepreneurship through the CM Udyami Yojana, providing up to ₹10 lakh in incentives to encourage youth to start their own businesses.
These initiatives come at a critical time as Bihar gears up for the 2025 elections, with unemployment remaining a key issue. Political analysts see these moves as a masterstroke by Nitish Kumar to counter opposition narratives, particularly from leaders like Tejashwi Yadav, who recently criticized the government’s policies. Yadav accused the administration of caste-based transfer postings, alleging a “Rakshas Raj” in Bihar, but Kumar’s focus on jobs could shift public sentiment in his favor.
The government’s broader welfare agenda also includes schemes like the Kanya Utthan Yojana, Vridhjan Pension Yojana, and drone-based agriculture initiatives, which aim to empower various sections of society. The increased pension for the elderly, disabled, and widowed women—from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month starting July 2025—further underscores the administration’s focus on inclusive development.
Nitish Kumar’s job creation strategy is not just about numbers; it’s a calculated effort to reshape Bihar’s political and economic narrative. By prioritizing youth employment and skill development, the government aims to build a self-reliant workforce capable of driving the state’s growth. However, the success of these schemes will depend on their implementation and the ability to deliver tangible results before the elections.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements, and posts found on X. Information is sourced from credible outlets like The Economic Times, India TV, and News18, but readers are advised to verify details through official government announcements for accuracy.