Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of transformative youth-focused initiatives worth ₹62,000 crore for Bihar youngsters during the fourth edition of the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh, held in New Delhi. The event marked a major push toward education, skill development, and entrepreneurship for India’s young population.
At the heart of the announcement was the launch of PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs), a ₹60,000 crore scheme aimed at modernising 1,000 government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India. The initiative will follow a hub-and-spoke model, connecting 200 hub ITIs with 800 spoke ITIs to strengthen industry linkages and improve employability.
Empowering youth through education and skills
Addressing the convocation, PM Modi emphasised the importance of skill-based learning and praised ITIs as ‘workshops of Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. He noted that over 1.5 crore youth have received training in 170 trades over the past 11 years, and nearly 5,000 new ITIs have been established since his government came to power.
“India’s strength lies in its knowledge and skills,” Modi said. “When these align with national needs, their impact multiplies.”
He also inaugurated 1,200 skill labs in Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Schools, further expanding access to vocational training.
Bihar projects: A promise of a bright future
Virtually addressing youth in Patna, PM Modi launched several development schemes for Bihar, calling them a “guarantee of a bright future.” These included:
- Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana: Offers ₹1,000 monthly allowance and free skill training to nearly 5 lakh graduates annually.
- PM-USHA (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan): ₹160 crore investment in academic infrastructure across four Bihar universities, benefiting over 27,000 students.
- Bihta Campus of NIT Patna: Dedicated to the nation, featuring a 5G lab, ISRO-linked space centre, and startup incubation hub.
- Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University: A new institution focused on industry-aligned vocational education.
- Scholarship Distribution: ₹450 crore released via DBT to 25 lakh students under the Mukhyamantri Balak/Balika Scholarship Scheme.
- Government Recruitment Drive: Appointment letters handed to 4,000 newly recruited candidates in Bihar.
Celebrating skill excellence
Moreover, the convocation honored 46 national ITI toppers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to recognizing and empowering skilled youth. Modi reiterated the mantra of “Shramev Jayate, Shramev Poojayate”, urging society to value hard work and technical expertise.
With these initiatives, the government aims to create a globally competitive workforce, modernize vocational education, and bridge the gap between training and employment. The focus on local talent, upgraded infrastructure, and industry collaboration signals a strategic shift in India’s youth development agenda.
