Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a suite of youth-centric programmes worth over ₹62,000 crore at the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh 2025, where top ITI students from across India were honoured.
PM-SETU: Upgrading India’s ITIs
One of the flagship initiatives, PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs), is a centrally sponsored scheme backed by an investment of ₹60,000 crore. Its goal is to modernize 1,000 government ITIs using a hub-and-spoke model, with 200 “hub” institutions and 800 “spoke” institutions.
The launch phase will focus on ITIs in Patna and Darbhanga, spotlighting Bihar’s strategic importance. Modi said PM-SETU is aimed at aligning youth skills with global industry demands. The model envisions government ownership but industry management, in partnership with funding from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
📌 Bullet-Point Summary of PM Modi’s ₹62,000 Cr Youth Schemes
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PM-SETU Scheme: ₹60,000 crore project to modernize 1,000 ITIs using hub-and-spoke model (200 hubs, 800 spokes).
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Industry-linked ITIs: Govt-owned but industry-managed, funded by World Bank & ADB.
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Bihar Focus: Launch begins in Patna & Darbhanga ITIs.
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Graduate Stipend: Under Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana, 5 lakh graduates to get ₹1,000/month for 2 years + free skill training.
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Education Loan Support: Reformed Student Credit Card Scheme → interest-free loans up to ₹4 lakh. Over 3.92 lakh students already benefited.
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Youth Commission: Bihar Yuva Ayog set up for youth (18–45 yrs).
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Skill University: Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University inaugurated in Bihar.
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Scholarships & Jobs: 25 lakh students to receive scholarships; job offer letters distributed.
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PM’s Message: ITIs will fuel Aatmanirbhar Bharat; India is a hub of “knowledge and skill.”
Support for Graduates & Students in Bihar
Under Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana, about 5 lakh graduates will receive a monthly stipend of ₹1,000 for two years, combined with free skill training.
The Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme is being reformed to offer interest-free education loans of up to ₹4 lakh, easing the financial burden on students. To date, over 3.92 lakh students have accessed loans totaling ₹7,880 crore.
In addition, a new statutory body, Bihar Yuva Ayog, has been established for people aged 18–45, aimed at mobilizing and channeling youth potential in the state.
Broader Impact & Reactions
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed these initiatives, noting that with the inauguration of the Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University and the new youth commission, millions will benefit. He also highlighted that scholarships for 25 lakh students and direct job offer letters are being disbursed.
Modi described India as “a land of knowledge and skill,” emphasizing that Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are not just education centers but are essential to realizing Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
