The Bihar government established three new departments, a Directorate of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and a State Marketing Promotion Corporation on Friday. These initiatives directly aim to create more employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the decision, stating a clear target: to provide one crore (ten million) jobs to youth between 2025 and 2030 . Kumar emphasized that training youth for skill development is crucial to achieving this employment goal.
New Departments and Their Mandates
According to an official announcement, the three newly established departments are:
- Youth, Employment and Skill Development Department: This department will focus on designing and implementing programs for skill enhancement, vocational training, and facilitating job placements for young individuals across Bihar.
- Higher Education Department: Dedicated to reforms and improvements within the state’s higher education system, ensuring quality and relevance for the job market.
- Civil Aviation Department: Established to accelerate growth in the aviation sector, promoting infrastructure development and related economic activities.
Higher Education Department Objectives
Chief Minister Kumar outlined specific objectives for the Higher Education Department. It will work to bring about qualitative improvements in learning, promote research and innovation, and develop technical and vocational education programs. The department’s mandate includes ensuring that youth from all sections of society receive quality, employment-oriented education, directly linking academic pursuits with career readiness.
Civil Aviation Sector Expansion
Kumar highlighted ongoing and proposed developments in the state’s aviation sector. Several new airports are currently under construction, with many more proposed under the central government’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel accessible. The creation of a dedicated Civil Aviation Department will accelerate these infrastructure projects. This acceleration is expected to enhance the industrial environment, generate employment opportunities, and help boost the export of products manufactured within Bihar.
Strengthening MSMEs and Marketing
In addition to the new departments, the Bihar government will establish a separate Directorate for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). This directorate will provide focused support and guidance to small businesses, which are vital for local economies and job creation. Simultaneously, the Bihar Marketing Promotion Corporation will be formed.
The Bihar Marketing Promotion Corporation will play a role in improving the availability, quality, and distribution systems for a wide range of state products. This includes agricultural produce, animal husbandry products, horticulture items, and processed foods, alongside traditional handicrafts, goods from rural industries, and products from small and cottage industries. Kumar stated that these measures will create employment opportunities for many youth by bolstering local production and market reach.
District-Level Skill Development
Further bolstering job creation efforts, the Chief Minister announced that mega skill centers would be established in every district across Bihar. These centers will serve as hubs for advanced skill development training, equipping youth with specialized competencies required by modern industries and enhancing their employability.
Vision for Bihar’s Youth
These comprehensive initiatives underscore the Bihar government’s commitment to tackling youth unemployment. By creating dedicated departments and support structures, the state aims to streamline efforts in education, skill development, industrial growth, and market access, ultimately fostering an environment for job creation and economic empowerment for its young population.