The Indus Zone Tech Desk | PM Modi Unveils Major Youth Empowerment Initiatives Worth 62,000 Crore
In a major step toward empowering India’s young population, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a series of youth-centric initiatives worth over ₹62,000 crore, aimed at strengthening education, skill development, and entrepreneurship across the country.
The announcement was made during the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
PM-SETU: A New Era of Skilling & Employability
At the event, Prime Minister Modi officially launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM–SETU) scheme.
The flagship programme is designed to modernize more than 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) nationwide, upgrading them with advanced machinery, digital tools, and global-standard training modules.
PM Modi emphasized that the initiative will create a strong bridge between India’s skilled youth and global employment opportunities. He called it a “transformative step” toward building a self-reliant and future-ready India.
“Skill plays an important role in nation-building. Our government is preparing Yuva Shakti to lead the future through innovation and skilling,” said Prime Minister Modi.
India as a Global Skill Powerhouse
PM Modi highlighted that India has always been a land of knowledge and innovation, and today’s youth represent the intellectual strength that can drive the nation forward.
He praised ITIs for being “workshops of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” noting that the PM-SETU scheme will make them global leaders in vocational training and employment readiness.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs set up in 400 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 states and Union Territories.
These labs will provide students with early exposure to technical skills and practical learning in alignment with NEP 2020 (National Education Policy) goals.
Skill University in Honor of Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur
Paying tribute to Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur, PM Modi announced that a Skill University will be established in his name.
The Prime Minister said the institution would carry forward Thakur’s vision of inclusive education and social empowerment, serving as a platform for students to gain both academic and hands-on vocational expertise.
Support for Bihar’s Youth: New Skill & Employment Schemes
The event also marked the launch of Bihar’s revamped Mukhyamantri Nishchay Svyam Sahayata Bhatta Yojana, aimed at supporting unemployed graduates.
Under the scheme, around five lakh graduates will receive a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 for two years, along with free skill training to prepare them for self-employment or industry-ready roles.
PM Modi also mentioned the ongoing “GST Bachat Utsav”, calling it a “double bonus” for Bihar’s youth, who will benefit from both tax savings and new employment initiatives.
Honouring Excellence in Skilling
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister felicitated 46 All India Toppers from various Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), acknowledging their achievements under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
He praised their hard work and commitment, saying they represent the new face of India’s skill-driven growth.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, who heads the MSDE, also addressed the event. He reiterated the government’s vision to make India a global hub for skill development and innovation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joined the ceremony virtually, expressing his support for the new initiatives.
India’s Skilling Revolution: A Vision for 2047
With over 62,000 crore rupees being channelled into youth development programs, India is taking a decisive step toward realizing the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The combination of education reforms, technical upskilling, and entrepreneurship support reflects the government’s goal to empower every young Indian to become a contributor to national progress.
Key Highlights at a Glance
Initiative Focus Area Key Benefits
PM–SETU ITI Modernization Upgrades 1,000+ ITIs with new tech
Skill Labs Education 1,200 labs in schools nationwide
Skill University Higher Education Named after Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur
Bihar Yojana Employment ₹1,000 monthly allowance for 2 years + training
Conclusion
The newly launched youth empowerment initiatives mark a defining moment in India’s education and skill development landscape.
From modernizing training infrastructure to supporting young entrepreneurs, these reforms aim to position India’s youth at the forefront of global innovation and growth.