Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has intensified his government’s employment mission by announcing the creation of three new departments directly linked to job generation in Bihar. The move comes as Nitish continues to reiterate his promise of providing employment to 10 million youth in the next five years — a commitment he has highlighted repeatedly since returning to power.
On December 4, during the Assembly session, Nitish Kumar said he has already given jobs to 5 million people and now aims to double that number. Earlier, on November 25, he stated the government is working at a rapid pace to promote industry and create maximum employment opportunities. On December 5, he announced via social media that new departments and institutions will form a strong employment roadmap.
Three New Departments Approved
• Youth, Employment and Skills Department
• Higher Education Department
• Civil Aviation Department
Additionally, one new directorate and one corporation will be established:
• Small and Medium Enterprises Directorate
• Marketing Promotion Corporation
The government says these structural reforms will support faster decision-making and targeted development in sectors crucial for job growth.
Youth, Employment and Skills: Focus on Workforce Development
So far, skill development activities were under the Labour Resources Department. Now, an independent department will work exclusively on enhancing workforce capabilities.
A senior IAS said Bihar remains a labour-driven state, with nearly 5 million workers migrating every year for employment. “If skills are upgraded, people will get better jobs locally and also fair wages outside the state,” he said.
The government may also revive the long-pending plan for a Skills University and roll out new schemes to strengthen industrial linkages.
Higher Education Reform for Professional and Research Growth
Higher education will now be separated from the school education system, a model widely adopted by other states including Jharkhand.
The Vice-Chancellor of a university said the decision will help universities focus on quality education and research, areas where Bihar has lagged. “Dedicated monitoring will reduce delays. Private investment may also increase, providing students more options and preventing migration,” he said.
Civil Aviation Department to Improve Air Connectivity
Bihar is pushing rapid improvements in air travel infrastructure to support industrial growth. The state currently has four operational airports — Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga and Purnia.
Construction work has begun in Sultanganj (Bhagalpur), Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Birpur and Valmikinagar, with cabinet approval for Sultanganj already issued.
Political Significance Ahead of 2030 Mission
Political observers say the move signals that the NDA government is serious about delivering on its employment agenda. With RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav currently abroad and the Opposition’s job promise under scrutiny, Nitish Kumar appears keen to maintain focus on youth and women — key voter groups behind his recent electoral success.
A political analyst said the government’s actions show it is ready with a concrete blueprint, unlike the Opposition which failed to detail its job promises during the campaign.
Cabinet Size Will Not Increase
Officials clarified that though departments may be reorganized, the number of ministers will not exceed the constitutional cap. With 243 MLAs, Bihar can have a maximum of 36 ministers including the Chief Minister.
