Patna: Bihar is accelerating its efforts to generate employment, setting an ambitious target of 50 lakh employment opportunities under the Saat Nishchay-2 scheme. The state government has now raised its initial commitment from 10 lakh government jobs and 10 lakh employment opportunities to 12 lakh government jobs and 38 lakh other employment avenues by next year.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has attributed the declining migration from Bihar to the increasing job opportunities within the state. Until a few years ago, an estimated five crore people from Bihar migrated to other states in search of work. However, with more employment being created locally, this trend is reversing, and a significant number of people are returning to Bihar.
Since 2020, the state has provided approximately 7.24 lakh government jobs, establishing Bihar as a key player in employment generation at the national level. The impact is evident, with thousands of youth from other states now seeking government jobs in Bihar. According to data from the e-Shram portal, 2.9 crore people are still registered as having migrated in search of employment, but the numbers are steadily declining.
During the ongoing Pragati Yatra, Kumar has sanctioned development projects worth Rs 50,000 crore, which are expected to create over 50 lakh jobs. The government has launched multiple initiatives, including skill development training, industrial expansion, and recruitment drives in public services, to connect youth with employment.
Additionally, financial assistance schemes are being implemented to support entrepreneurship across different sections of society. The state is witnessing a surge in start-ups and business ventures, further contributing to job creation. Bihar has also introduced measures to encourage women’s participation in the workforce, offering reservations in government jobs and expanding the reach of initiatives such as JEEViKA, which has provided employment to thousands of women.
Agriculture is another sector experiencing growth, with government-backed initiatives helping farmers improve productivity and profitability. The expansion of infrastructure projects is also providing direct and indirect employment opportunities in the manufacturing sector.
With sustained policy efforts, Bihar aims to solidify its position as a state that not only retains its workforce but also attracts talent from across the country.
