Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched a comprehensive package of education and skill development initiatives worth Rs 62,000 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to empowering Bihar’s young population.
Speaking at an event, Modi described the schemes as a cornerstone for enhancing employability and fostering a skilled workforce, setting the stage for Bihar’s economic and social transformation.
He emphasized that these initiatives are a guarantee for the bright future of Bihar’s young population. “The ceremony today is symbolic of how much importance India places on skill development. Two major nationwide schemes for education and skill development have been launched today for the youth. Unless we accord respect to labour, the true value of work remains unrecognized. That is why we say ‘Shramyeva Jayate’ and ‘Shrameva Pujyate’,” the Prime Minister said, referring to the dignity of labour.
He further stated, “These schemes introduced for Bihar’s youth are mega plans aimed at their empowerment. Bihar, with its vibrant young population, stands to benefit immensely. India is a nation of knowledge and skill, which is our greatest strength, and by aligning these strengths with national needs, we can enhance our capabilities further.”
Highlighting the pivotal role of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), PM Modi remarked, “ITIs play a crucial role in advancing ‘local talent and local skills’. Our ITIs are the workshops of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), and we are focused not only on increasing their numbers but also upgrading their standards. While only 10,000 ITIs were established after independence, our government has set up 5,000 new ITIs in the last decade.”
He added that through the PM-Setu initiative, ITIs will be upgraded according to future demands, ensuring skill sets remain relevant in an evolving job market.
The Prime Minister also recalled Bihar’s previous challenges in education and youth migration: “Two-and-a-half decades ago, Bihar’s education system was in ruins, compelling young talent to leave the state in search of better opportunities. The National Democratic Alliance government worked diligently to restore and improve the system, which had deteriorated under the previous administration.”
Paying tribute to the late Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur, PM Modi announced the establishment of a skill university in his name, asserting, “Karpoori Thakur was made a Jan Nayak by the people, not by the army of social media trolls today. Some are even trying to steal the title of Jan Nayak; the people of Bihar must remain vigilant. This university will carry forward his vision.”
He acknowledged the efforts of Bihar’s double-engine government in advancing all sectors of the state and noted that in the past two decades, 50 lakh youth have been connected to employment opportunities. “Our target is to create one crore jobs in the next five years,” the Prime Minister declared.
Commenting on economic reforms, PM Modi said, “Currently, the GST celebration is underway, and I congratulate Bihar’s youth as GST rates on many essential items have been reduced. India is now progressing towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy, with unprecedented growth in the manufacturing sector, providing abundant job opportunities. This is a time full of opportunities for our youth. The power of our young generation will become the strength of a developed India.”
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