In a major push to tackle youth unemployment and enhance industry readiness, the Bihar government has launched a paid internship scheme named ‘Mukhya Mantri Pratigya’.
Approved during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday, the initiative aims to financially support young individuals undertaking internships after completing their Class 12 education.
Eligibility and Financial Support Structure
Announcing the scheme, Additional Chief Secretary (Cabinet Secretariat) S. Siddhartha shared that youth aged 18 to 28, who have undergone skill development training or completed Class 12, ITI diploma, graduation, or post-graduation, will be eligible for this scheme.
The duration of internships may range from three to twelve months. The monthly stipend structure is as follows:
- Class 12 pass: ₹4,000/month
- ITI diploma holders: ₹5,000/month
- Graduates & Postgraduates: ₹6,000/month
Additionally, youth pursuing internships outside their home district will receive an extra ₹2,000/month, while those undertaking internships outside the state will get an additional ₹5,000/month as livelihood support for a maximum of three months.
Payments will be made directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. A dedicated committee, chaired by the Development Commissioner and including industry representatives, has been formed to oversee implementation.
Support for Artists and Cultural Heritage
In a parallel move to preserve Bihar’s cultural identity, the government approved the “Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana”.
Under this, artists aged 50+ with at least 10 years of contribution to traditional classical or performing arts will receive a monthly pension of ₹3,000, provided their annual income does not exceed ₹1.20 lakh.
Further, the “Mukhya Mantri Guru-Shishya Parampara Yojana” has also been approved. This initiative supports the revival and promotion of rare and endangered art forms. Under the scheme:
- Gurus (teachers) will receive ₹15,000/month
- Musicians will get ₹7,500/month
- Pupils will be paid ₹3,000/month
A total of ₹1.11 crore has been allocated for FY 2025.
Health Support for Panchayati Raj Representatives
The Cabinet has extended the benefits of the “Mukhya Mantri Chikitsa Sahayta Kosh” to elected members of Panchayati Raj Institutions. Support will cover treatment for major ailments such as:
- Cancer: ₹80,000–₹1.20 lakh
- Heart disease: ₹60,000–₹1.80 lakh
- Brain surgery: ₹3 lakh
- Kidney transplant: ₹3 lakh
- Total hip/knee replacement: ₹1.50–₹1.70 lakh
- Accidents, spinal or eye surgeries: ₹20,000–₹1.80 lakh
Revised Rules for Retired Judges
In a final key decision, the Cabinet approved the “Retired Chief Justices and Judges Domestic Help(s) Rule and Other Benefits Rules, 2025”. These provisions include:
- ₹55,000/month for domestic help/driver for retired judges
- ₹60,000/month for retired Chief Justices or judges elevated to the Supreme Court
- ₹15,000/month for communication and miscellaneous expenses
These sweeping reforms aim to boost youth employment, protect cultural heritage, and ensure dignified post-retirement support for judicial leaders.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates. Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
