Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra will reach Patna district on 21 February, during which 500 Jeevika Didis will receive electric bicycles under the Sustainable Transportation for Rural Entrepreneurship (STREE) initiative.
The initiative, implemented by Jeevika, aims to support women engaged in small businesses such as selling vegetables, fruits, clothes, and fish by improving their mobility. According to a Jeevika official, the electric bicycles will enable women to travel across villages and panchayats with greater ease, reducing their dependence on traditional modes of transport.
The e-bicycles have a range of up to 70km per charge and can also be used manually once the battery is depleted. Designed to carry up to 50kg of goods, they are expected to enhance the efficiency of women entrepreneurs.
Each bicycle costs between Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000, but beneficiaries will receive them at a heavily subsidised rate of Rs 9,000. Additionally, a loan facility has been arranged for those unable to afford the subsidised cost.
Officials believe the initiative will boost rural entrepreneurship and provide women with a reliable means of transportation, facilitating their participation in local markets and strengthening economic opportunities in Bihar’s villages.
