Bihar Cabinet clears internship, artist pension schemes; sanctions ₹882 crore for Punaura Dham

Bihar Cabinet clears internship, artist pension schemes; sanctions ₹882 crore for Punaura Dham

1. Mukhya Mantri Pratigya Yojana (Internship Scheme)

  • Announced: 1 July 2025, Bihar Cabinet chaired by CM Nitish Kumar.

  • Eligibility: Youth (18–28 years) with Class 12, ITI, Diploma, Graduate, or Postgraduate; must have completed skill training or education.

  • Financial Support:

    • Class 12 → ₹4,000/month

    • ITI/Diploma → ₹5,000/month

    • Graduate/Postgraduate → ₹6,000/month

    • Extra Allowance: ₹2,000/month (outside district), ₹5,000/month (outside Bihar), up to 3 months.

  • Implementation: Task Force (Development Commissioner + CII + FICCI).

  • Target: 5,000 youth in FY 2025–26; 1 lakh youth in 5 years (from 2026–27).

2. Mukhya Mantri Kalakar Pension Yojana (Artist Pension Scheme)

  • Eligibility: Artists (classical, visual, performing arts) with 10+ years’ experience, aged 50+, annual income ≤ ₹1.2 lakh.

  • Benefit: ₹3,000/month pension.

  • Initial Outlay: ₹1 crore (FY 2025–26).

  • Aim: Support senior artists + preserve Bihar’s cultural heritage.

3. Punaura Dham Development Project (Sitamarhi)

  • Sanctioned: ₹882.87 crore.

  • Belief: Birthplace of Goddess Sita.

  • Development model: On lines of Ram Mandir, Ayodhya.

  • Fund Allocation:

    • ₹137 crore → Temple & premises.

    • ₹728 crore → Tourism infrastructure.

    • ₹16 crore → 10-year maintenance.

  • Implementing Agency: Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.

4. Women Employment in Hazardous Factories

  • Bihar Factory Rules, 1950 amended.

  • Allows women (except pregnant/lactating) to work in hazardous factories.

  • Aim: Expand industrial employment opportunities for women.