Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of youth-focused initiatives worth over ₹62,000 crore, with a particular emphasis on the poll-bound state of Bihar, on Saturday. The initiatives aim to boost skill development, education, and entrepreneurship among young people in India. During the unveiling ceremony, Modi also took a veiled jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the title "Jan Nayak," an honorific traditionally associated with the late Karpoori Thakur, a respected OBC leader and former Bihar Chief Minister.
Without directly naming Rahul Gandhi, Modi cautioned the people of Bihar to be wary of those attempting to "steal" the legacy of Karpoori Thakur, emphasizing that Thakur's title was a reflection of the people's love for him, not bestowed by social media. Modi's remarks came amidst the backdrop of Rahul Gandhi being referred to as "Jan Nayak" in party posters during his recent Yatra in Bihar.
The Prime Minister also criticized the "poor state" of education during the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) rule in Bihar, which he said led to large-scale migration from the state. He lauded the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government for improving the situation and setting Bihar on a path to progress. Modi highlighted that the current generation might not be aware of the destruction wreaked on the education system 20-25 years ago, when schools were often shut and few teacher appointments were made, forcing students to seek education elsewhere.
The key initiatives launched by the Prime Minister include PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs), a centrally sponsored scheme with an investment of ₹60,000 crore. This scheme aims to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs across the country using a hub-and-spoke model, comprising 200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs. Each hub will be connected to an average of four spokes, creating clusters equipped with advanced infrastructure, modern trades, digital learning systems, and incubation facilities. PM-SETU will connect Indian youth with the global demand for skilled manpower.
In addition to PM-SETU, Modi launched Bihar's revamped "Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana," under which nearly five lakh graduates will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 each for two years, along with free skill training. He also launched the redesigned Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme, which will provide interest-free education loans of up to ₹4 lakh, significantly easing the financial burden of higher education.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University, which has been envisioned to impart industry-oriented courses and vocational education to create a globally competitive workforce. Furthermore, he laid the foundation stone for new academic and research facilities across four universities in Bihar and dedicated the new campus of NIT Patna in Bihta.
As part of a nationwide skill development initiative, PM Modi also inaugurated 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs established in Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 states and Union Territories. The event also featured the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh, during which the Prime Minister felicitated top-performing ITI students from across the country.
The launched initiatives reflect the government's commitment to empowering the Yuva Shakti (youth power) and preparing them to lead the future with a strong focus on skilling and innovation. The schemes also underscore the NDA government's prioritization of the youth and women of Bihar.
