New Delhi, Oct 4 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at the youth, amounting to Rs 62,000 crore, during the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh in New Delhi. This event marks a significant advancement in education, skills development, and entrepreneurship for the youth nationwide.

He also introduced numerous projects for Bihar's youth, asserting that they represent a guarantee of a bright future.

The Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh is the fourth iteration of the National Skill Convocation, held in line with the Prime Minister's vision, where 46 all-India toppers from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship received awards.

During the event, the Prime Minister addressed the youth of Bihar virtually, emphasizing key development strategies focused on education, skills, and employment.

His speech was witnessed by a large audience in a packed auditorium in Patna, attended by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary.

In his address, he extended congratulations to the ITI students, mentioning, "A few years back, our government initiated a new tradition of large-scale convocations for ITI students. Today, we are witnessing another milestone in this tradition. This ceremony embodies the significance India places on skills. We have also launched two major education and skill development projects for youth nationwide."

"Without a commitment to hard work and respect for the hardworking individuals, self-worth may diminish. This event aims to transform this mindset. We adhere to the principle of 'Shramev Jayate, Shramev Poojayate'. This should instill confidence in ITI students. This is a pathway to a bright future," he added.

"Under Nitish Kumar's leadership, a proposal was made to elevate this event into a mega program. Today, alongside this event, several development projects for Bihar's youth have been introduced... This guarantees their bright future. This mega initiative reflects the NDA government's commitment to the youth and women of Bihar," he stated.

The Prime Minister launched PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs), a Centrally-funded scheme with an investment of Rs 60,000 crore.

This scheme aims to upgrade 1,000 Government ITIs nationwide using a hub-and-spoke model, consisting of 200 hub ITIs and 800 spoke ITIs.

"Today, we have launched two additional significant schemes, and with the PM-SETU Scheme worth billions, our ITIs will now be directly and robustly linked to industries. Today, 1,200 skill labs have also been inaugurated across Navodaya Vidyalayas and Eklavya Model Schools," he remarked.

PM Modi emphasized that India is a nation of knowledge and skills, which he described as the country’s greatest strength.

"When skills and knowledge align with national needs, their power multiplies. The 21st Century demands rapid promotion of local talent and resources, keeping the country's needs in focus, and our thousands of ITIs significantly contribute to this," he elaborated.

"Currently, young individuals are being trained in these ITIs across approximately 170 trades. Over the last 11 years, more than 1.5 crore youth have been trained in these trades, connecting them with various sectoral skills and technical qualifications," he noted.

The Prime Minister praised the ITIs' role, stating, "Our ITIs are not just exceptional institutions for industrial education; they are the foundation of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Therefore, our focus is on not only increasing their number but also continuously enhancing them."

"Through the PM-SETU Scheme, these ITIs will receive upgrades. New, modern equipment will be introduced. Industry training experts will come here, and the curriculum will be revamped according to present and future demands," he added.

PM Modi pointed out that in the last decade, around 5,000 new ITIs have been established. "10,000 after independence and 5,000 new since I assumed office," he explained.

The Prime Minister also launched Bihar's revised Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana, which will provide nearly five lakh young graduates each year with a monthly allowance of Rs 1,000 for two years, in addition to free skill training.

He laid the foundation stone for new academic and research facilities at four universities in Bihar: Patna University, Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University in Madhepura, Jai Prakash Vishwavidyalaya in Chapra, and Nalanda Open University in Patna, under the PM-USHA (Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan).

Collectively, these projects, with a total allocation of Rs 160 crore, will benefit over 27,000 students by providing modern academic infrastructure, advanced laboratories, hostels, and multidisciplinary learning.

PM Modi also dedicated the Bihta campus of NIT Patna to the nation. This campus, capable of accommodating 6,500 students, features advanced facilities, including a 5G use case lab, a Regional Academic Centre for Space established in collaboration with ISRO, and an Innovation and Incubation Centre that has already assisted nine startups.

Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur Skill University in Bihar, aimed at providing industry-relevant courses and vocational training to nurture a globally-competitive workforce.

PM Modi also distributed appointment letters to over 4,000 newly-recruited candidates of the Bihar government and released Rs 450 crore in scholarships through Direct Benefit Transfer to 25 lakh students of Class 9 and 10 under the Mukhyamantri Balak/Balika Scholarship Scheme.