Patna: Women from Sewtar village in Gaya’s Mohra block gathered in large numbers on Saturday for a Mahila Samvad session that turned into a direct dialogue with Rural Development Minister Shrawan Kumar.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister acknowledged the scale of JEEVIKA’s outreach — over 1 crore families linked through more than 10 lakh self-help groups — and emphasised that real development cannot happen without the participation of women. He said, “Women’s increasing visibility in local leadership, employment and policy advocacy is proof that change is underway.”
The session saw women raise concrete demands for roads, toilets, housing benefits, clean drinking water, solar lights, better health facilities, community libraries, local job opportunities and improved pension schemes for the elderly. Many highlighted the need to strengthen existing schemes like the Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana and scholarships for school-going girls.
Participants also shared how JEEVIKA has impacted their lives, helping them start small businesses, learn new skills and access essentials such as toilets and ration cards. Several women called for permanent weekly markets and better waste disposal and drainage systems in their villages.
The Minister directed officials present to fast-track pending housing and toilet benefits and ensure all eligible families are covered by 15 May. He also reiterated that women’s voices raised during Mahila Samvad would directly inform future policies.
The session was attended by local officials, including former MLA Professor Krishnanandan Yadav, who praised the confidence of rural women and said such platforms are important for building an inclusive future.
Mahila Samvad sessions have been running daily across all blocks since 18 April, providing women with information on government schemes and collecting their feedback digitally. Themes like child marriage, dowry and domestic violence are also being addressed through collective pledges.
