GG News Bureau
Patna, 18th Sept: In a significant pre-election move, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday unveiled a financial support scheme for unemployed graduates, promising a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 for up to two years. The initiative is being positioned as a lifeline for youth preparing for jobs and competitive exams, and as part of the state’s broader push toward employment generation.
The allowance will be rolled out under the expanded Chief Minister’s Resolves Self-Help Allowance Scheme, targeting graduates in the 20–25 age group who are not pursuing higher studies, self-employment, or enrolled in any institution.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Monthly Assistance: Eligible graduates in arts, science, and commerce streams will get ₹1,000 each month.
- Duration: The support will continue for a maximum of two years.
- Eligibility: Beneficiaries must be unemployed, actively seeking jobs, and not engaged in other education or business.
- Objective: To provide financial stability while young people prepare for careers or skill development programs.
Nitish Kumar emphasized that this step reflects his government’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment since 2005.
“A target has been set to provide government jobs and employment to one crore youth in the next five years,” the Chief Minister said, adding that skill development training will be expanded to bridge the employment gap.
Education Loans and Skill Development Boost
Alongside the allowance, Nitish Kumar reiterated his government’s focus on education access through the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme, which offers interest-free education loans. He stressed that both financial support and job-readiness programs are essential to secure the future of Bihar’s youth.
Employment Trends in Bihar
While unemployment has remained a sensitive political issue in Bihar, recent data shows improvement. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) tabled in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje:
- Bihar’s unemployment rate for people aged 15 and above fell to 3% in 2023–24, down from 7% in 2017–18.
- The national unemployment rate also dropped to 2% from 6% over the same period.
Analysts note that while the figures are encouraging, the demand for jobs in Bihar continues to outpace availability, making unemployment a central issue for the upcoming polls.
Political Context and Electoral Stakes
The announcement comes at a critical juncture as Bihar heads into assembly elections later this year. With youth unemployment and job creation expected to dominate campaign debates, the monthly aid scheme could significantly influence voter sentiment.
Nitish Kumar’s move is seen as a direct response to the opposition’s criticism of his government’s employment policies. The INDIA bloc, which includes the RJD and Congress, has repeatedly attacked the NDA government over migration and lack of job opportunities in the state.
By offering a steady allowance, the government hopes young graduates will be better equipped to prepare for competitive exams, build employable skills, and contribute to the state’s long-term development.
Looking Ahead
The scheme, part of Bihar’s Seven Resolves program, represents Nitish Kumar’s broader strategy of combining financial support with skill development and education access. Whether this promise translates into electoral gains remains to be seen, but it has already put youth welfare at the center of Bihar’s political discourse.
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