Patna: The Bihar government has announced a Rs 10,000 monthly PhD fellowship for 1,000 female students, while setting a target of connecting 1 crore women with employment opportunities.
Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary made the announcements while addressing the 25th foundation day celebration of the Bihar State Commission for Women at Bapu Sabhagar in Patna on September 19.
Under the Mukhyamantri Balika PhD Fellowship, around 1,000 female students will receive Rs 10,000 per month to support higher education and research. The scheme is intended to increase women’s participation in doctoral-level education.
Fellowship To Support Women In Research
Choudhary said the government was taking steps to encourage girls to pursue higher education, including incentive schemes at the matriculation, intermediate and graduation levels.
The government also provides assistance to students preparing for competitive examinations, while the new PhD fellowship is aimed specifically at supporting women at the research level.
The chief minister has also announced plans to establish a university dedicated to women, with the proposed institution intended to expand opportunities for higher education and research.
1 Crore Women Employment Target
Choudhary said the government has set a target of directly connecting 1 crore women with employment opportunities.
He highlighted the role of Jeevika in providing women with opportunities for economic activity and self-reliance. Women are being supported in areas including tailoring, poultry farming and goat rearing, among other activities.
The government is also working to expand employment opportunities through schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana.
Jeevika Women To Prepare School Uniforms
The chief minister said arrangements were being made to provide students with uniforms prepared by Jeevika women, rather than giving students money to purchase uniforms.
The move, according to the government, is intended to create additional livelihood opportunities for women associated with Jeevika.
Choudhary said women’s increasing economic, social and political participation was an important indicator of Bihar’s changing social landscape.
50% Reservation In Local Bodies
The chief minister also highlighted 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayati raj institutions and urban local bodies, saying the provision had strengthened women’s participation in public life.
He urged the Bihar State Commission for Women to play a wider role beyond resolving complaints and regularly provide suggestions to the government on issues affecting women.
He also called for better coordination among women representatives and greater focus on women’s social and economic empowerment.
Focus On Women’s Safety
On women’s safety, Choudhary said the state has introduced the Police Didi initiative, with women police personnel being deployed around schools, colleges and other educational institutions.
He said the measure was aimed at improving the safety of female students.
The event also marked the 25-year journey of the Bihar State Commission for Women. A short film on the commission’s work was screened, while a special postage stamp was released in collaboration with the Department of Posts.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bihar State Commission for Women chairperson Apsara also addressed the programme.
