Patna : A 23-member delegation from Telangana’s Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) visited Patna on Tuesday to study Bihar’s flagship Jeevika programme, a government initiative aimed at poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment. The team met with Patna District Magistrate Dr. Chandrashekhar Singh at the Patna Collectorate, where they explored the Sustainable Livelihood Scheme and its implementation on the ground.
During the visit, Patna’s Deputy Development Commissioner, Sameer Saurabh, provided an in-depth overview of Jeevika’s structure and operations. District Program Manager, Mukesh Sasmal, further elaborated on its mechanisms and impact.
Dr. Singh described Jeevika as a transformative initiative that has significantly improved the lives of economically disadvantaged families. “The scheme’s direct impact is seen in women’s economic empowerment, while its indirect effects include social progress and a more promising future for coming generations,” he said.
He highlighted the profound changes in the lives of women associated with Jeevika, noting their increased financial literacy and confidence. “During field visits, it’s inspiring to see Jeevika Didis using banking terminology fluently and working with remarkable professionalism,” he added, attributing the success to the Bihar government’s steadfast commitment.
Jeevika by the Numbers
Jeevika functions through a decentralised structure, with dedicated livelihood teams at the district level. In Patna district alone:
5,00,117 households have been integrated into the programme.
41,643 self-help groups (SHGs), 2,753 village organisations, and 65 cluster-level federations operate under its framework.
SHGs have accumulated Rs142.5 crore in savings and secured Rs1,709 crore in credit.
1.58 lakh households are engaged in farming, 42,000 in goat rearing, 10,000 in poultry farming, 28,000 in dairy, and 13,850 in non-farm enterprises.
Jeevika has also provided skill training to 9,743 young people and facilitated the inclusion of 755 persons with disabilities.
Political Commitment & Women’s Leadership
Dr. Singh credited the programme’s success to strong political will, emphasising that the Chief Minister personally prioritises Jeevika and frequently engages with its beneficiaries. He also praised the entrepreneurial spirit of Jeevika Didis, who have taken charge of initiatives like Didi Ki Rasoi (community kitchens), while also contributing to hospitals, residential schools, and other public institutions.
The Telangana delegation expressed admiration for Jeevika’s impact and shared insights from their own state’s experience with similar poverty alleviation schemes. Dr. Singh assured them that the Bihar government remains fully committed to supporting Jeevika’s expansion and ensuring its continued success.
