PATNAs, Sept. 19 -- In another pre-poll welfare measure aimed at targeting youths, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced to provide Rs.1,000 per month to unemployed youths who have graduate degrees for a period of two years under the Mukhyamantri Nishchay Swayam Sahayta Bhatta Yojana (Chief Minister's Self-Help Allowance Scheme). Thus far, only 12th pass unemployed youth were eligible for grant under the scheme that is part of the state government's renowned "7-Resolve". Kumar, in a post on X, announced the expansion of the previously running Mukhyamantri Nischay Self-Help Allowance and highlighted the government's commitment to empowering the youth and creating employment opportunities across the state. "Under this scheme, the Self-Help Allowance Scheme, previously offered to Intermediate-graded youth, has now been extended to unemployed graduates in Arts, Science, and Commerce. Graduates in the age group of 20-25 who are not studying and are seeking employment, are not self-employed, or are not employed in any government, private, or non-government sector, will also receive the Chief Minister's Self-Help Allowance at the rate of Rs.1,000 per msonth for a maximum of two years," Kumar posted on X. According to the chief minister, the eligible youths can use the allowance to acquire necessary training and prepare for competitive exams so that their future can be secured. He expressed hope that the financial support under this scheme will help youths become self-reliant, skilled, and employment-ready, contributing positively to the development of both the state and the country. Youths in the age group of 18-29 form nearly 21% of 78022933 voters (as on January 1, 2025) in Bihar and are important for any government formation. The NDA government has been relentlessly trying to win them over by promising/providing government jobs and employment to as many youth as possible and empowering them has been our priority. The government had set a target to provide government jobs and employment to 10 million youth in the next five years. Earlier on Tuesday, CM Kumar announced interest waiver on the loan now given to all applicants for higher education under the student credit card scheme....