Syllabus GS-II & V: Government  Intervention

Why in the News?

On November 3, 2025, Assam’s Chief Minister launched the CM’s Jibon Prerana Scheme, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at supporting fresh graduates in Assam with monthly financial assistance during their transition from education to employment.

About the Scheme:

• Implementing Department: Department of Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship, Government of Assam.
• Financial Assistance: ₹2,500 per month for one year.
• Beneficiaries: Graduates from government and public institutions in Assam who completed their degree in 2025.
• Transfer Mechanism: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Objective: To empower graduates, provide financial stability, and encourage self-reliance during their early career phase.

Significance and Objectives:

The scheme recognizes that the period immediately after graduation is one of uncertainty and financial strain for many young people.
It seeks to:

• Reduce financial stress among graduates preparing for competitive exams or seeking jobs.
• Encourage self-reliance and confidence among the youth.
• Prevent outward migration by creating an ecosystem for local employment and entrepreneurship.
• Support Assam’s vision of a skilled and employable workforce aligned with the National Skill Development Mission and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.

A Small Step with a Big Impact:

While ₹2,500 a month may seem modest, its psychological and practical value is significant:

• Helps pay for coaching, travel, and study materials.
• Provides seed money for small business ideas or local ventures.
• Acts as a financial cushion for one year, enabling graduates to plan their next steps without daily stress.
• Encourages youth to stay in Assam and build careers locally instead of migrating to metropolitan cities.

Empowering Assam’s Youth:

The Chief Minister described the initiative as a “message of trust and belief” from the government to the youth. The goal, he said, is to ensure that no capable graduate abandons their dreams due to lack of resources.

The scheme forms part of a broader youth empowerment strategy, complementing:

• Atmanirbhar Assam Abhiyan (for promoting entrepreneurship).
• Skill Development Missions like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).
• Employment-linked training programmes run through Assam Skill University and ITIs.

By focusing on both education-to-employment and skill-to-startup transitions, the government hopes to build a resilient youth ecosystem.

Long-Term Vision:

The Jibon Prerana Scheme aligns with the State’s Human Capital Development goals, aiming to:

• Promote inclusive economic growth.
• Retain skilled talent within Assam.
• Encourage entrepreneurial ventures in key sectors like agriculture, technology, services, and tourism.

The scheme also has a social dimension — by reducing youth anxiety and fostering a sense of belonging, it promotes optimism and mental well-being among fresh graduates.

Key Takeaways:

• Assam becomes one of the first Indian states to launch a state-funded post-graduate stipend programme.
• Directly supports over thousands of graduates annually through DBT.
• Reinforces Assam’s focus on employment-oriented growth, skill development, and youth empowerment.

Exam Hook – UPSC/APSC Mains Question:

Discuss the significance of Assam’s CM’s Jibon Prerana Scheme in addressing youth unemployment and promoting self-reliance. How can similar initiatives strengthen India’s demographic dividend?

One-line Wrap:

Through the CM’s Jibon Prerana Scheme, Assam invests not just in its graduates — but in the promise of a confident, self-reliant generation ready to shape the state’s future.

SOURCE