Focus on youth development and culture
Bihar Launches Major Youth and Cultural Welfare Schemes: On July 1, 2025, the Bihar Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, gave approval to a series of welfare schemes with the dual goal of boosting youth employment and preserving cultural heritage. These announcements arrive just ahead of the Assembly Elections, reflecting a strategic focus on inclusive development.
Internship support through Pratigya Yojana
The Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana is designed to aid young people engaged in internships. It provides financial incentives to reduce economic burdens and improve access to practical training.
Eligible youth must be between 18 and 28 years, and should hold qualifications ranging from Class 12 to postgraduate level. They must also have completed or be undergoing formal skill development training.
Stipends vary by qualification:
- ₹4,000 per month for Class 12 holders
- ₹5,000 for ITI or diploma holders
- ₹6,000 for graduates or postgraduates
Additional amounts are provided for internships away from the home district (₹2,000) or outside Bihar (₹5,000, for up to three months). All payments will be made via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Monitoring will be handled by a Task Force under the Development Commissioner, with support from industry bodies like CII and FICCI.
Static GK fact: CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) and FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) are key trade associations involved in skill development partnerships.
Monthly pension for senior artists
The Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana aims to provide financial support to veteran artists. Artists aged 50 years or older, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in the visual, classical, or performing arts, can avail this benefit. Their annual income must not exceed ₹1.2 lakh.
Under this scheme, eligible artists will receive a ₹3,000 monthly pension. A sum of ₹1 crore has been earmarked for the initial implementation year, 2025–26.
Static GK tip: The state of Bihar has a rich tradition of arts, including Madhubani painting and classical music.
Revamping the Punaura Dham temple
A major investment of ₹882.87 crore has been sanctioned for the development of the Maa Janaki Temple at Punaura Dham, located in Sitamarhi. The temple is considered to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, making it a key site for religious tourism.
The plan includes:
- ₹137 crore for restoration of the temple and surrounding structures
- ₹728 crore for tourism-related infrastructure
- ₹16 crore for long-term upkeep
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation will oversee the project execution.
Static GK fact: The Ramayana circuit connects key sites associated with Lord Ram and Sita, promoting both spirituality and tourism.
Updates to factory employment rules
Changes have also been made to the Bihar Factory Rules, 1950, permitting non-pregnant and non-lactating women to work in certain hazardous industries. This move aims to broaden opportunities for women in manufacturing and industrial units.
Static GK fact: The original Factory Act in India was introduced in 1881, focusing on labor reforms in colonial factories.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Bihar Launches Major Youth and Cultural Welfare Schemes:
| Topic | Detail |
| CM’s New Scheme | Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana for internship support |
| Target Beneficiaries | 5,000 youth in FY 2025–26, 1 lakh over five years |
| Artist Pension | ₹3,000/month for eligible senior artists |
| Temple Location | Punaura Dham, Sitamarhi district |
| Total Temple Project Cost | ₹882.87 crore |
| Factory Rule Change | Allows certain women to work in hazardous units |
| DBT Monitoring Body | Task Force under Development Commissioner |
| Tourism Execution Agency | Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation |
| Additional Internship Benefit | ₹2,000–₹5,000 for non-local placements |
| Key Heritage Site | Believed birthplace of Goddess Sita |
