“The Bihar government has launched the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana, offering ₹5,000 monthly stipends to diploma holders and ₹4,000 to Class 12 pass-outs to boost employability through internships. Aimed at one lakh youth annually from 2025-26 to 2030-31, the scheme has a ₹685.76 crore budget, with funds disbursed via DBT for transparency.”
Bihar’s New Youth Empowerment Scheme: Monthly Stipends for Skill Development
In a significant move to enhance youth employability, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana on June 30, 2025, under the state’s flagship ‘7 Nischay-2’ initiative. The scheme targets young individuals aged 18-28, providing financial support for internships and skill development programs. Diploma holders, including those from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), will receive ₹5,000 per month, while Class 12 pass-outs are eligible for ₹4,000 monthly. Graduates and postgraduates undertaking internships will get ₹6,000 per month.
The initiative, approved by the Bihar cabinet, is set to benefit approximately one lakh youth annually from the financial year 2025-26 to 2030-31. With a total budget allocation of ₹685.76 crore, the scheme aims to foster self-reliance and industry readiness among Bihar’s youth. The stipends will be disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and timely delivery to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
According to Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet Secretariat) S Siddhartha, the financial support will be provided for internship periods ranging from three months to one year. The scheme focuses on equipping young individuals with advanced skills, leadership development, and networking opportunities to enhance their career prospects. It is part of a broader strategy to address unemployment and skill gaps in the state, particularly ahead of crucial state elections.
The Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana, officially named the Chief Minister-Promotion of Readiness, Awareness, and Technical Insights for Guiding Youth Advancement, has been lauded as a visionary step. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar emphasized that the initiative is designed to make Bihar’s youth self-reliant and employment-oriented, securing their future in a competitive job market. The scheme also includes internship opportunities across various institutions, ensuring practical exposure alongside financial aid.
However, some critics view the scheme as a strategic move to appeal to young voters. A political science professor from BN College noted that while the initiative aligns with other welfare measures like the Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana, its success will depend on detailed guidelines and effective implementation to ensure the intended number of students qualify for the stipends.
The announcement has sparked discussions on social media, with posts on X praising the scheme as a step toward empowering unemployed youth and easing financial strain. Some users, however, expressed skepticism, suggesting that providing stipends without concrete job opportunities might not fully address the state’s employment challenges.
The scheme’s rollout comes alongside other development initiatives, such as the comprehensive plan for Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, indicating the government’s multi-pronged approach to welfare and infrastructure development. As Bihar prepares for the scheme’s implementation, all eyes will be on how effectively it translates into tangible opportunities for the state’s youth.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from recent news reports and official announcements by the Bihar government, sourced from reputable outlets like The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, and ANI, as well as posts on X reflecting public sentiment. The details provided are accurate as of July 5, 2025, and subject to change based on official guidelines.