Patna: Bihar’s Jeevika programme is set to extend further support to women after the state government’s Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme. Following the distribution of Rs 10,000 to 1.56 crore women to help them start businesses, the Nitish Kumar administration will now identify women earning an annual income of Rs 60,000 or more.
The survey will be conducted through Jeevika members themselves, with a view to transforming them into “Lakhpati Didis” – women earning over one lakh rupees annually. Special guidelines for the initiative are expected to be issued soon.
Jeevika’s chief executive officer, Himanshu Sharma, said the first phase will prioritise women who have already benefited from the employment scheme, while other beneficiaries will be included in later phases. “We will provide additional financial assistance, training, and technical support to help these women expand their businesses,” Sharma added.
The programme has already surpassed its initial target, with 31 lakh Jeevika members having become Lakhpati Didis. The government hopes the new survey and accompanying support will enable even more women to increase their earnings and achieve financial independence.
