Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of youth-focused initiatives totaling over Rs. 62,000 crore on October 4 . These projects aim to upgrade education and skill development infrastructure nationwide. Key components include the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme, new university facilities, and vocational skill labs. The initiatives cover various educational levels, from ITIs to higher education institutions.
During the event, the Prime Minister also dedicated the new Bihta campus of NIT Patna. He further inaugurated the Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University in Bihar, reinforcing the focus on practical and industry-aligned education.
PM-SETU: Upgrading Industrial Training Institutes
A major initiative launched was PM-SETU , an ambitious program to upgrade 1,000 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India. This scheme involves an investment of Rs. 60,000 crore . The goal is to transform these institutions into centers of excellence for skill development.
PM-SETU adopts a hub-and-spoke network model. It consists of 200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs . On average, each hub ITI will connect with four spoke ITIs, creating integrated learning clusters. These clusters will be equipped with advanced infrastructure. They will offer modern trades and incorporate digital learning systems. Incubation facilities will also be provided. Anchor Industry Partners will manage these clusters. This ensures that the skilling provided is outcome-based and aligns with current market demands, preparing students for specific industry roles.
Enhancing Higher Education Infrastructure
Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for new academic and research facilities at four significant universities in Bihar. These institutions are Patna University, Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University in Madhepura, Jai Prakash Vishwavidyalaya in Chapra, and Nalanda Open University in Patna. These projects are part of the central government’s PM-USHA (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) scheme, designed to improve access, equity, and excellence in higher education.
The new Bihta campus of NIT Patna was dedicated to the nation. This campus features advanced academic and research facilities. Notably, it includes a 5G use case lab , promoting innovation in telecommunications. It also hosts a Regional Academic Centre for Space , established in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This centre aims to foster research and education in space technology.
Boosting Vocational Training and Student Support in Bihar
Across India, PM Modi inaugurated 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs . These labs have been established in government educational institutions, specifically Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Residential Schools. They are spread across 34 States and Union Territories , providing practical training opportunities to students in diverse regions.
In Bihar, the Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University was inaugurated. This new university is dedicated to boosting industry-oriented courses and vocational education. Its curriculum focuses on preparing students with practical skills directly applicable to various industries. During the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh , Prime Minister Modi recognized and felicitated ITI toppers, celebrating achievements in vocational training.
Further support for Bihar’s youth includes the launch of the Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana . This scheme provides financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 per month to 5 lakh Bihar graduates for a period of two years, offering crucial support as they seek employment. The Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme , also highlighted, provides interest-free education loans of up to Rs. 4 lakh . According to official figures, more than 3.92 lakh students have already benefited, availing loans exceeding Rs. 7,880 crore under this scheme. The Bihar Yuva Ayog was also officially inaugurated, establishing a dedicated body to address youth-related issues and opportunities in the state.