The Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Scheme has been introduced by the Bihar government with the primary objective of equipping young people with better employment opportunities through structured internships. Approved in a recent cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the scheme focuses on bridging the gap between education and industry readiness by offering financial support to students pursuing internships after completing their Class 12 board examinations.
Overview of the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Scheme
The Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Scheme targets youth in the age group of 18 to 28 years, specifically those who have completed their higher secondary education or hold diplomas from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). The scheme is also extended to individuals who have undergone skill development training in various government-run programs. Through this initiative, the government seeks to address the growing concern of youth unemployment in the state and ensure smoother transitions from classrooms to the workforce.
The scheme will provide financial aid to eligible candidates undertaking internships ranging from three to twelve months. The idea is to allow these young individuals to gain hands-on experience in industries relevant to their education and skillset, thereby enhancing their employability in the competitive job market.
Financial Assistance and Support
Under the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Scheme, financial incentives are tiered based on the educational qualifications of the interns:
- Students who have passed their Class 12 board exams will receive ₹4,000 per month.
- ITI diploma holders are entitled to ₹5,000 per month.
- Graduates and postgraduates will be provided ₹6,000 per month.
To further support mobility and accessibility to better internship opportunities, the scheme includes additional allowances:
- Interns posted outside their home districts will get an extra ₹2,000 per month.
- Those interning outside the state will receive an additional ₹5,000 per month, limited to a maximum of three months.
Payment and Monitoring Mechanism
To ensure transparency and timely disbursal of funds, all payments under the scheme will be directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
A monitoring committee has also been constituted to oversee the implementation and effectiveness of the scheme. This committee will be headed by the Development Commissioner and include representatives from various industries to ensure that the internships align with market needs and standards.
Other Major Cabinet Approvals
Apart from the Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Scheme, the Bihar Cabinet also gave its nod to other important social welfare initiatives, reflecting a broader effort to uplift various sections of society:
- The Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana: This scheme will provide a monthly pension of ₹3,000 to traditional artists who have practiced their craft for over 10 years. It aims to support aging artists and preserve Bihar’s cultural heritage.
- The Mukhya Mantri Guru-Shishya Parampara Yojana: Designed to revive and protect endangered art forms, this program will facilitate training of young artists under the mentorship of experienced gurus.
Policy Amendments and Institutional Benefits
The cabinet also approved an amendment to the Bihar Factory Rules of 1950, allowing women, except pregnant and nursing women, to be employed in hazardous industries. This is aimed at improving gender inclusivity in industrial employment while ensuring safety standards.
Additionally, the Mukhya Mantri Chikitsa Sahayta Kosh has been expanded to include healthcare grants for elected Panchayati Raj representatives suffering from severe ailments, offering critical financial support for their medical treatments.
Support for the Judiciary
The state government has also introduced new rules to benefit retired judges and chief justices. These include:
- A monthly allowance of ₹55,000 for domestic help for retired judges and ₹60,000 for retired chief justices.
- An additional ₹15,000 for communication and secretarial expenses.
Conclusion
The Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Scheme represents a forward-thinking step by the Bihar government to tackle youth unemployment by making internships more accessible and financially feasible. Coupled with complementary schemes supporting artists, women, local leaders, and retired officials, the state government is working toward a more inclusive and employment-ready society.
