New Delhi, April 20 (NationPress) In a significant step to improve job prospects for 600 minority youth in Bihar, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT Patna. This initiative is a part of the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme, as confirmed by an official announcement.

Through this agreement, IIT Patna will offer training to minority youth in high-demand sectors such as AI technocrats and business analytics executives.

The training initiative is crafted to provide participants with skills that are relevant to the current industry landscape, ensuring they are well-prepared for the job market, as stated in the announcement.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Neha Giri, Director of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Professor T. N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna, along with senior officials from both organizations.

This program aims to improve job readiness and placement opportunities for minority youth by implementing modern, technology-based training methods, the statement highlighted.

It aligns with the fundamental goal of the PM VIKAS Scheme, which seeks to close the skill gap and create sustainable livelihood opportunities through innovative training programs.

By collaborating with a prestigious institution like IIT Patna, the Ministry aims to deliver top-notch training, provide industry exposure, and enhance career prospects for the participants, all contributing to inclusive growth and empowerment.

This partnership is part of the Ministry's ongoing efforts under the PM VIKAS Scheme. Recently, additional MoUs were signed with esteemed institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad; National Institute of Technology, Manipur; CSIR–Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute in Durgapur; and Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation Ltd, further broadening its network for high-quality, industry-related skill development programs.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs is driving the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS), a Central Sector Scheme designed to promote socio-economic advancement among six recognized minority communities through a variety of initiatives: Skilling and Training (both traditional and non-traditional); Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship; Education (via the National Institute of Open Schooling); and Infrastructure Development (through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram).

Approved in January 2025, the scheme's guidelines have been set in motion, with a target of training approximately 1.51 lakh beneficiaries assigned to Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) across various States and Union Territories.

According to official data, the budget allocated for the scheme in the fiscal year 2025-26 stands at Rs 92.28 crore.