Patna: The Bihar cabinet has approved a major push for skill development and innovation, clearing funds to upgrade 75 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and to develop a research park at IIT Patna.
The decisions were taken at a cabinet meeting held in Patna on April 22.
Rs 1,193 Crore For ITI Upgrade
Under the PM-SETU scheme (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation Through Upgraded ITI), the state will develop 75 ITIs into modern skill training centres.
The cabinet approved Rs 1,192.95 crore as the state’s share — around 33% of the total project cost of Rs 3,615 crore.
Officials said the upgraded institutes will offer courses in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, retail and sales, with the aim of improving employability.
Around 70,000 youth are expected to benefit from the programme, which will run from 2026–27 to 2029–30.
Research Park At IIT Patna
The cabinet also sanctioned Rs 305 crore for the development of a research park at IIT Patna, part of a larger project estimated at Rs 480.71 crore.
The proposed park, to be spread over 11 acres, will function as an innovation hub covering sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, agriculture and data analytics.
Officials said around 100 companies will be given space on long-term leases to carry out research, with the project expected to generate up to 10,000 jobs.
Boost To Startup Ecosystem
An additional Rs 39 crore has been approved for phase 2 of the incubation centre at IIT Patna, alongside a Rs 25 crore state contribution for an Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) incubation facility.
The second phase will include infrastructure expansion, hostel facilities for startup professionals and a seed fund scheme aimed at supporting deep-tech ventures.
Under the seed fund initiative, around 80 startups will receive support over five years.
Focus On Jobs And Innovation
Officials said the combined initiatives are aimed at strengthening Bihar’s skill ecosystem, encouraging innovation and attracting investment.
The projects are expected to improve job readiness among youth while positioning the state as a growing hub for technology and research.
