Patna: Bihar’s 7.5 million women have received Rs 10,000 each following the launch of the state’s new Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday. The scheme, which was launched virtually, benefits roughly 22% of the state’s female electorate, according to 2020 data indicating there are 33.9 million female voters in Bihar.
Addressing members of the Jeevika self-help programme, PM Modi highlighted the role of the Jan Dhan Yojana, India’s national financial inclusion initiative, in enabling direct cash transfers. “If more than 300 million mothers and sisters across the country hadn’t opened bank accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana, would we have been able to send this money directly to your accounts today?” he said.
The prime minister emphasised the security and transparency of the transfers. “The money being sent today will be deposited in your accounts in full. No one can steal a single penny,” he said, contrasting the current scheme with previous programmes where funds were reportedly misappropriated.
PM Modi also praised the progress of women in Bihar, citing their increasing participation in the police, armed forces, and aviation sectors, and credited the current administration with restoring the rule of law. “During the RJD rule, Bihar was gripped by fear. Maoist terrorism was rampant. Women suffered the most from this. Today, with the rule of law restored under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, women have felt the greatest relief,” he said.
The prime minister responded warmly to individual participants, including Rita Devi of Bhojpur and Noor Jahan Khatoon from Gaya, encouraging them to share their experiences and inspire other women.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joined the programme online, reiterating the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment. He criticised the previous administration led by Lalu Prasad Yadav, remarking that it prioritised family interests over public welfare. “He was removed from power after seven years, and then he made his wife the CM. Had anyone ever done that before? We work for the people. We have worked for the development of Bihar,” CM Nitish said.
The scheme is part of broader efforts by the state government to support women’s employment and financial independence, and is expected to play a key role in strengthening social and economic development across Bihar.
