PM Modi Launches Rs. 62,000 Crore Youth-Centric Initiatives at Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh, Unveils PM-SETU Scheme and New Skill University in Bihar.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking a landmark moment in India’s efforts towards youth empowerment. During the event, he launched a suite of youth-focused initiatives worth over Rs. 62,000 crore, including the ambitious PM-SETU scheme and the inauguration of a new skill university in Bihar, named after Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur.
Extending greetings to ITI students across the nation, the Prime Minister highlighted that this convocation is more than a ceremony—it is a celebration of India’s commitment to building a skilled, self-reliant nation. “India is a country of knowledge and skill, and this intellectual strength is our greatest power,” he said.
Major Announcements:
- Launch of PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs):
With a Rs. 60,000 crore investment, this scheme will upgrade 1,000 ITIs into advanced, industry-integrated hubs and spokes. The project will be co-financed by the World Bank and ADB and aims to align skills training with global job markets. - Inauguration of 1,200 Skill Labs:
Established in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools, these labs will train students in 12 high-demand sectors, enhancing employability in remote and tribal areas. - Opening of Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University in Bihar:
The university will focus on industry-oriented vocational education, carrying forward Thakur’s legacy of inclusive education and social upliftment. - Revamped Youth Schemes in Bihar:
- Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana: Rs. 1,000 monthly allowance for 5 lakh graduate youth per year for two years.
- Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme: Now interest-free, offering up to Rs. 4 lakh in education loans.
- Inauguration of Bihar Yuva Ayog: A statutory youth commission to harness the potential of citizens aged 18–45.
- Infrastructure Boost for Higher Education:
Foundation stones laid for academic and research facilities at four Bihar universities under the Rs. 160 crore PM-USHA scheme, benefiting over 27,000 students. - Dedication of Bihta Campus of NIT Patna:
Equipped with cutting-edge labs, including a 5G use-case lab and ISRO-supported research centres, the campus is poised to become a hub for innovation. - Employment and Scholarships:
PM Modi distributed appointment letters to over 4,000 new recruits and released Rs. 450 crore in scholarships via DBT to 25 lakh students.
Bihar in Focus: A Vision for Youth Empowerment
PM Modi emphasized Bihar’s pivotal role in India’s youth-driven growth. He reflected on the state’s past challenges in education and applauded the transformation under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Notably, the government aims to double job creation in the next five years compared to the past two decades.
He shared that more than 2.5 lakh teachers have been appointed in the last two years, and the education budget has increased manifold. “When the strength of the youth increases, the nation grows stronger,” the Prime Minister said.
Aiming for a Viksit Bharat
PM Modi reiterated that today’s youth must be equipped with innovation, skill, and resilience to lead India toward becoming a global powerhouse. He underlined the success of the Mudra Yojana and announced the new Rs. 1 lakh crore Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, which aims to provide employment to 3.5 crore youth in the private sector.
“Alternatives may exist for many things, but there is no substitute for skill, innovation, and hard work,” he declared, asserting that India’s youth carry the potential to shape a Viksit Bharat.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary and several other dignitaries attended the event, with many, including Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, joining via video conference.
These initiatives, with a strong emphasis on skills, employability, and education, are expected to transform Bihar and empower youth across the nation, laying the foundation for a self-reliant and prosperous India.
