In a notable move ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde introduced a new financial assistance program for students and recent graduates. The announcement was made on Ashadhi Ekadashi Day in Pandharpur.
The scheme provides 12th-grade graduates with a monthly stipend of Rs. 6,000, diploma students with Rs. 8,000 per month, and graduates with Rs. 10,000 per month. This initiative aims to offer essential financial support to young individuals at different educational stages, promoting better employment opportunities and easing their transition from education to the workforce.
Through the internship scheme, named Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya Prashikshan Yojana, the Maharashtra government plans to allocate Rs 5,500 crore to provide monetary assistance to unemployed youth in the state. This initiative, designed to improve the employability and skills of young people for the competitive job market, was announced in the Budget 2024-25 by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar.
At a public event in Pandharpur on Tuesday, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stated, “The government will provide Rs 6,000 to those who have completed 12th grade, Rs 8,000 to those with ITI and diploma qualifications, and Rs 10,000 to those with a degree or postgraduate degree as a stipend.”
According to the government resolution from the Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation—responsible for implementing the scheme along with the CM Public Welfare cell—eligible candidates must be between 18 and 35 years old and residents of Maharashtra. The internships will last for six months, with stipends distributed via direct bank transfer.
This strategic measure by the Maharashtra government seeks to address the economic challenges faced by students and graduates. The scheme aims to reduce some of the financial pressures related to education and early career development, allowing students to focus more on their studies and professional growth.
As the assembly elections approach, this initiative is expected to be a significant topic in the political landscape, underscoring the government’s dedication to the educational and economic advancement of the youth in the state.
