The Ministry of Minority Affairs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology, Patna (IIT Patna) under the PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan) scheme to advance technology-driven skill development for minority communities. The agreement was formalised in the presence of Neha Giri, Director of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, T. N. Singh, Director of IIT Patna, and senior officials from both institutions. The collaboration is presented as part of efforts to prepare beneficiaries for emerging employment opportunities.

Under the partnership, IIT Patna will train 600 minority youth from the State of Bihar in emerging and high-demand job roles, including AI Technocrat and Business Analytics Executive. The training programme is structured to deliver industry-relevant competencies and practical exposure aligned with evolving market requirements. Curriculum and placement facilitation mechanisms are being developed to bridge the gap between academic skills and employer expectations.

The initiative aims to enhance employability and facilitate placement opportunities by providing modern skilling interventions that incorporate contemporary technologies and pedagogies. It is intended to reinforce the core objective of the PM VIKAS scheme to bridge the skill gap and enable sustainable livelihood opportunities through targeted training frameworks. By leveraging the expertise of a premier technical institution, the ministry expects improved career outcomes and greater inclusion in the formal labour market.

This collaboration builds on recent moves by the ministry to expand partnerships with premier research and technical bodies; last week it signed memoranda with the Indian Institute of Technology, Dharwad; the National Institute of Technology, Manipur; CSIR–Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur; and Arunachal Pradesh Forest Corporation Ltd. The expanded network is intended to deliver high-quality, industry-oriented skill development programmes across regions and sectors. The agreement with IIT Patna is described as a significant step towards future-ready skilling for minority youth.