Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will launch the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme in Bihar on Friday. Under the initiative, the first installment of ₹10,000 each will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of nearly 2.5 million women beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
A special program will be held at the Chief Minister’s residence in Patna, where Nitish Kumar will personally initiate the transfer in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with several ministers. The scheme aims to provide financial support to women to start small businesses or self-employment ventures, ensuring economic independence beyond household responsibilities.
Funds to Be Released Every Friday Till December
The Bihar government has set 14 dates between October and December 2025 for disbursing funds under this scheme. Transfers will take place every Friday. Officials clarified that while the schedule may change if required, beneficiaries will continue to receive their installments without interruption.
Modi’s Virtual Launch Last Week
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had virtually inaugurated the scheme on September 26, 2025, when he transferred ₹10,000 each to the accounts of 7.5 million women. During that program, several women associated with Jeevika Self-Help Groups shared their experiences.
Impressed by Rita Devi from Bhojpur, who enthusiastically listed multiple welfare schemes, the Prime Minister remarked on her energy. Similarly, after listening to Noorjahan Khatoon of Gaya, he advised her to gather 50 women every week to inspire more beneficiaries.
Jan Dhan Yojana’s Role
The Prime Minister stressed that the Jan Dhan Yojana played a crucial role in making such direct transfers possible. “If millions of women had not opened bank accounts, this scheme could not have been implemented effectively. Earlier, funds were siphoned off, but now every penny is deposited directly into your account,” he said.
How Women Can Apply
Beneficiaries can apply through Jeevika Self-Help Groups or Village Organizations (VoH). Women not associated with these groups can submit applications directly on the scheduled dates. The funds will be deposited into their bank accounts via DBT, ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen.
Political and Social Significance
As per 2020 data, Bihar has about 33.9 million women voters, and nearly 22% are expected to benefit directly from the scheme. Political analysts note that while the initiative is designed for women’s economic empowerment, it may also strengthen the women vote bank in the state.
