Prime Minister Narendra ngModi unveiled a series of major initiatives aimed at empowering India’s youth, with a special focus on Bihar. Among the flagship programs is PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs), a centrally sponsored scheme with an investment of Rs 60,000 crore.

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1,200 Vocational Skill Labs Across India Bihar Gets Special Attention Education and Skill Development Projects

Under PM-SETU, hubs will be connected to four spokes on average, creating clusters equipped with advanced infrastructure, modern trades, digital learning systems, and incubation facilities. These clusters will be managed by anchor industry partners, ensuring outcome-based skilling aligned with market demand.

The hubs will also house innovation centres, training-of-trainers facilities, production units, and placement services, while the spokes will expand access to students in remote and underserved areas.

“Collectively, PM-SETU will redefine India’s ITI ecosystem, making it government-owned but industry-managed, with global co-financing support from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank,” the PMO statement said.

In the first phase, special focus will be given to ITIs in Patna and Darbhanga, Bihar, ensuring regional development and skill enhancement in the state.

1,200 Vocational Skill Labs Across India

PM Modi also inaugurated 1,200 vocational skill labs established in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 states and Union Territories. These labs are designed to provide hands-on training in 12 high-demand sectors, including IT, automotive, agriculture, electronics, logistics, and tourism.

Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and CBSE curriculum, the initiative also involves training 1,200 vocational teachers to deliver industry-relevant learning and prepare students for employment from an early stage.

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Bihar Gets Special Attention

Alongside PM-SETU, PM Modi launched Bihar-specific schemes to support education, skill development, and youth empowerment:

Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana: Nearly five lakh graduates every year will receive a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 for two years, along with free skill training.
Redesigned Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme: Offers interest-free education loans up to Rs 4 lakh, easing financial burdens for higher education. Over 3.92 lakh students have already availed loans worth more than Rs 7,880 crore.
Bihar Yuva Ayog: A statutory commission for youth aged 18-45, inaugurated to channel and harness the potential of Bihar’s young population.

These initiatives aim to develop Bihar as a center for skilled manpower, benefiting both regional and national growth, especially ahead of upcoming polls in the state.

Education and Skill Development Projects

PM Modi also inaugurated Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University in Bihar, focusing on industry-oriented courses and vocational education to build a globally competitive workforce.

Under the PM-USHA (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan), foundation stones were laid for new academic and research facilities in four universities:

Patna University
Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University, Madhepura
Jai Prakash Vishwavidyalaya, Chapra
Nalanda Open University, Patna

With a total allocation of Rs 160 crore, these facilities will benefit over 27,000 students, providing modern labs, hostels, and multidisciplinary learning opportunities.

Additionally, the Bihta campus of NIT Patna was dedicated, offering a capacity for 6,500 students, advanced facilities including a 5G use case lab, a Regional Academic Centre for Space in collaboration with ISRO, and an Innovation and Incubation Centre that has already supported nine start-ups.

Employment and Scholarships

Strengthening youth opportunities further, PM Modi:

Distributed appointment letters to more than 4,000 newly recruited candidates in Bihar government.
Released Rs 450 crore in scholarships via Direct Benefit Transfer for 25 lakh students of Class 9 and 10 under the Mukhyamantri Balak/Balika Scholarship Scheme.

These measures are expected to create significant opportunities for India’s youth, integrating education, skill development, entrepreneurship, and improved infrastructure.

A Vision for Youth Empowerment

Collectively, these initiatives reflect a holistic approach to youth development, aiming to provide a solid foundation for India’s progress. By combining skills training, higher education, and financial support, PM Modi’s programs seek to empower young people to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

“With a special focus on Bihar, the state is likely to develop as a centre for skilled manpower, contributing to growth both regionally and nationally,” the PMO statement noted.

These moves also underscore India’s commitment to aligning education and employment outcomes with industry needs, ensuring that the country’s youth are job-ready and globally competitive.

Conclusion

PM Modi’s recent announcements represent a major step in shaping India’s future workforce. With initiatives like PM-SETU, vocational labs, skill universities, student credit schemes, and scholarships, the government aims to equip young Indians with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to succeed.

Bihar, in particular, stands to gain significantly, with special attention to skill development, higher education, and employment opportunities. These initiatives are expected to transform the educational landscape, create a skilled workforce, and drive regional and national growth.

Key Highlight: PM Modi launches initiatives worth over Rs 62,000 crore, focusing on skill development, education, and youth empowerment, with Bihar receiving special attention.