Bihar Launches Schemes for Youth Empowerment and Artist Welfare

Patna, Jul 1 (PTI) - The Bihar government, on Tuesday, launched the 'Mukhya Mantri Pratigya' scheme to provide financial assistance to young individuals engaging in internship programs following the completion of their class 12 board exams. In a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the initiative was sanctioned to combat youth unemployment and elevate industry readiness among students.

As per Additional Chief Secretary, S Siddhartha, the scheme encompasses youths aged 18 to 28 who have either been part of a skill development program or have cleared the Class 12 examination, including ITI diploma holders, graduates, and postgraduates. These individuals will receive financial assistance for internship training.

The duration of the financial support will range from three months to a year. Youths who have passed their higher secondary exam will receive Rs 4,000 per month, ITI diploma holders will get Rs 5,000, and graduates and postgraduates will be entitled to Rs 6,000 monthly during their internship period.

Additionally, an extra Rs 2,000 per month will be provided for those doing internships outside their home district, and Rs 5,000 extra for internships outside the state. This supplementary aid is accessible for up to three months. Disbursements will be made directly to their bank accounts, under the supervision of a committee led by the Development Commissioner with participation from industry stakeholders.

Further, the cabinet ratified the "Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana" from the Art, Culture and Youth Department, offering a Rs 3,000 monthly pension to artists who have dedicated at least a decade to preserving Bihar's traditional classical visual and performing arts. Eligibility criteria necessitate that the artist be at least 50 years old with an annual income not exceeding Rs 1.20 lakh.

Moreover, the "Mukhya Mantri Guru-Shishya Parampara Yojana" was sanctioned to sustain and foster the state's vast cultural legacy, especially endangered arts. Under this, talented youths will receive a two-year education from mentors. Gurus will earn Rs 15,000 monthly, musicians Rs 7,500, and pupils Rs 3,000, with a Rs 1.11 crore allocation for the fiscal year.

Approval was also extended to amend the Bihar Factory Rules 1950, permitting women (excluding pregnant and lactating mothers) to engage in work within hazardous factories. The "Mukhya Mantri Chikitsa Sahayta Kosh" was also extended to support Panchayati Raj Institutions' elected representatives with medical grants for severe health conditions like cancer, heart diseases, major surgeries, and more.

Additionally, the "Retired Chief Justices and Judges Domestic Help(s) Rule and Other Benefits Rules, 2025" was approved, granting retired judges a consolidated amount for domestic assistance and reimbursements for communication expenses.

Retired judges of the high court or their spouses will receive Rs 55,000 monthly for helpers and Rs 60,000 for a retired chief justice or those elevated to the Supreme Court. Also, Rs 15,000 monthly will be provided for phone and internet costs, and other service remunerations.

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