Bihar to Upgrade 75 ITIs into Advanced Skill Centres Under PM-SETU Scheme to Boost Employment
In a significant move to enhance skill development and employment opportunities, the Bihar government has announced the upgrade of 75 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into advanced skill training centres. This decision was made during a recent cabinet meeting held in Patna, with the objective of aligning vocational education with the evolving demands of modern industries.
Overview of the PM-SETU Scheme
The initiative falls under the PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) scheme. This program is designed to equip students with skills that are in high demand across various sectors. The focus will be on training in areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Semiconductor technology
- Sales and retail management
- Textile and garment technology
- Other emerging industry-oriented courses
The goal is to ensure that students are job-ready immediately after completing their training, thereby addressing the skills gap in the workforce.
Investment and Implementation Timeline
The program aims to skill around 70,000 youth over the next few years. It is set to be implemented over a period from the financial year 2026-27 to 2029-30, with an estimated total investment of ₹3,615 crore. The funding will be shared between the state and central governments, with the Bihar government contributing approximately ₹1,192 crore, which constitutes 33% of the total funding.
Development of IIT Patna as a Research and Innovation Hub
Another major highlight of the cabinet’s decision is the development of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna into a world-class Research Park and Innovation Hub. This project will be developed at a cost of ₹480.71 crore, fully funded by the state government as a grant. An additional 11 acres of land will be allocated for the expansion of this facility.
Key Focus Areas of the Research Park
The Research Park will focus on several key areas, including:
- Life sciences and healthcare
- Advanced manufacturing technologies
- Urban development and environment
- Agriculture and data analytics
- Technology innovation and startups
Once completed, the facility is expected to host around 100 companies for long-term research collaboration, which could generate approximately 10,000 jobs.
Support for Startups and the Semiconductor Ecosystem
The cabinet has also approved the establishment of an Electronics System Design and Manufacturing Incubation Centre at IIT Patna. This initiative will be supported by a ₹25 crore matching grant from the state government. Key features of this incubation centre include:
- Hostel facilities for startup professionals
- Expansion of physical infrastructure
- Deep-tech focused seed funding
- Support for semiconductor startups
Additionally, a seed fund scheme for 80 startups over the next five years will be launched to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship within the state.
Strengthening Bihar’s Innovation and Employment Ecosystem
The initiatives outlined aim to create a robust ecosystem that fosters:
- Startup growth
- Industrial innovation
- Foreign and domestic investment
- Skilled workforce development
Officials believe that these combined efforts will position Bihar as a key hub for technology-driven growth and employment generation in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Bihar government’s commitment to upgrading ITIs and establishing advanced skill centres under the PM-SETU scheme marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the employability of its youth. By focusing on modern courses and creating a supportive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship, Bihar is poised to make significant strides in skill development and economic growth.
Note: This article is based on information available as of April 2026 and aims to provide an overview of the initiatives undertaken by the Bihar government to boost employment through skill development.
