The Bihar Cabinet approved a scheme to provide a monthly pension of ₹3,000 to artists and a stipend of up to ₹6,000 for youth internships, approving 24 agendas.
Bihar: Ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced several public welfare schemes. In the state cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, a total of 24 significant proposals were approved, including pensions for artists, internship stipends for youth, and schemes related to religious site development and cultural preservation. These decisions will not only strengthen the state's cultural identity but also provide financial support to young people and needy artists.
₹3,000 Monthly Pension for Senior Artists
The state government has decided to implement a special scheme for senior artists and those struggling with livelihoods, who have consistently contributed to preserving the state's cultural heritage. Under the 'Chief Minister Artist Pension Scheme', such artists will be provided with financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month. This pension will be for artists associated with traditional, folk, and cultural arts from various regions of the state.
Preservation of Vanishing Arts
The Bihar government has also approved the 'Chief Minister Bihar Guru-Shishya Parampara Yojana'. The objective of this scheme is to keep alive those traditional arts that are now on the verge of extinction. For the year 2025-26, ₹1.11 crore has been approved under this scheme. Under this scheme, experienced artists will be given assistance to teach their art to the next generation.
Stipend for Interning Youth
The government has approved the 'Chief Minister Pratigya Yojana' for the skill development and career enhancement of the state's youth. Under this scheme, financial assistance will be provided to the youth for internships. Its aim is to provide them with better employment opportunities. The main points of the scheme are as follows:
- ₹4,000 per month for 12th-pass youth
- ₹5,000 per month for ITI and diploma holders
- ₹6,000 per month for graduate students
In addition:
- ₹2,000 for students interning in their home district, associated with the Jeevika Mission
- ₹5,000 for those going for internships outside the state
- This amount can be given for 3 months to a maximum of 12 months.
Promotion of Religious Tourism
A major decision was taken in the cabinet meeting to promote religious tourism. Punaur Dham, located in Sitamarhi district, which is considered the birthplace of Goddess Sita, will be developed on the lines of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Ayodhya. For this, the government has approved an amount of ₹882 crore. This will not only strengthen religious faith but also promote local tourism.
Through the 'Chief Minister Pratigya Yojana', youth will be provided with opportunities for leadership development, empowered networking, better employability, and advanced skills training. This will make the youth of the state self-reliant and they will be able to perform better in their field.
