New Delhi: The Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPARD) has joined hands with the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) to expand employment-linked skill development opportunities for young people in Bihar. The two organisations signed a Memorandum of Agreement in New Delhi, through which IRFC will provide ₹10 crore in CSR funding to train youth at the BIPARD Skill Park in Patna.

The collaboration will support training in SAP ERP, CCNA networking, and other industry-focused courses, along with foreign language and communication modules designed to improve access to international job markets. The initiative places special emphasis on learners from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

BIPARD Skill Park began operations with six specialised courses, including SAP Certification, CCNA Networking, Geriatric Caregiver, Fashion Design, Commis (Chef), and Baking Technician. Since its launch on 14 April 2025, the centre has seen steady growth. Its Academic Building was inaugurated on 1 May 2025, followed by the National Skill Meet, which drew participation from NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam and multiple industry leaders. During the visit, Subrahmanyam interacted with trainees and reviewed ongoing programmes.

So far, 585 candidates have been enrolled, 515 have completed training, and 98 have secured placements. The Skill Park offers advanced infrastructure, including technology-enabled classrooms, licensed SAP servers, dedicated labs, foreign language training, and fully residential facilities that provide free accommodation, meals, and uniforms. Each trainee receives global certification pathways, AI and data analytics modules, communication and soft skills sessions, and support for securing at least three placement opportunities.

Officials from BIPARD and IRFC said the partnership will help bridge skill gaps and equip Bihar’s young workforce for emerging job opportunities in India and abroad. The effort is aligned with the State’s long-term goal of building a competitive talent base by 2047.

BIPARD Director General Dr. B. Rajender extended appreciation to IRFC for its support, saying, “the support will significantly strengthen training infrastructure, enhance placement outcomes, and extend the reach of the Skill Park to more young people across Bihar.”

BI Bureau