Daijiworld Media Network – Patna

Patna, Sep 18: In a major pre-election initiative targeting young and first-time voters, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 for unemployed graduates in the state.

The announcement, made via the Chief Minister’s official X handle, expands the Chief Minister's Self-Help Allowance Scheme under the state’s flagship 7 Nischay programme, which previously covered only intermediate pass candidates. Under the revised scheme, graduates aged 20-25 years who are neither studying, employed, nor self-employed will now receive the monthly benefit for up to two years.

CM Kumar highlighted that the allowance aims to help youth pursue skill training and prepare for competitive examinations, fostering self-reliance and employability. “This visionary initiative of the state government aims to provide maximum employment opportunities to the state’s youth, enabling them to contribute significantly to Bihar and the nation,” he said.

The move comes shortly after the Chief Minister transferred Rs 5,000 each to over 16 lakh construction workers as part of direct financial assistance, coinciding with Vishwakarma Puja and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. The state has also launched the Pratigya web portal dedicated to contractual workers in Patna and disbursed Rs 802.46 crore under the Annual Clothing Assistance Scheme.

Officials said these steps are part of the government’s broader vision to provide employment to one crore youth over the next five years, creating opportunities in both government and private sectors.