Patna: Women in Bihar are becoming the driving force behind the state’s development. Under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the government has given 35% reservation to Bihari women in all direct government jobs. This decision is helping women move forward socially, economically, and administratively.
Women already play a big role in Bihar’s panchayat system. More than half of the gram panchayats, panchayat samitis, and district councils are led by women. At present, 29 gram panchayats are completely managed by women and have been declared ideal women-friendly panchayats.
The Jeevika scheme, started in 2007, has also changed the lives of women in rural areas. Under this scheme, self-help groups of 10-15 women are formed who run their own bank accounts and earn money through small businesses. Over 1.35 crore families have joined Jeevika so far. These women, called Jeevika didis, work in nurseries, health services, kitchens, and solar shops. More than 10 lakh didis have been trained in health services and they run 45 health assistance centres in Bihar.
Women’s participation is also increasing on the roads. In the last eight years, over 29,000 women in Patna and more than 18,000 in Muzaffarpur have received driving licences. Bihar has the highest number of women police officers in the country, with around 36,000 women making up over 35% of its police force. Officials say these changes show that Bihar’s daughters are becoming strong, confident, and self-reliant.
