Patna: Bihar government has approved a major new initiative aimed at strengthening women’s economic independence, chief minister Nitish Kumar announced after a cabinet meeting on Friday.
The scheme, titled Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, will provide financial support to one woman in every family across the state to start employment of their choice. CM Nitish, who has often highlighted women’s empowerment as a hallmark of his government since taking office in November 2005, described the decision as “unprecedented” with “far-reaching results.”
हमलोगों ने नवम्बर, 2005 में सरकार बनने के बाद से ही महिला सशक्तीकरण के लिए बड़े पैमाने पर काम किया है। महिलाओं को सशक्त एवं आत्मनिर्भर बनाने के लिए कई महत्वपूर्ण कदम उठाए गए हैं। अब महिलाएं अपनी मेहनत से न केवल बिहार की प्रगति में अपना योगदान दे रही हैं बल्कि वे अपने परिवारों की…
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) August 29, 2025
Under the programme, women will receive an initial instalment of Rs 10,000, with the application process set to open soon. The rural development department will oversee the scheme’s implementation, with support from the urban development and housing department as required.
According to the government, fund transfers to bank accounts will begin in September 2025. After six months of employment, women may be eligible for additional financial support of up to Rs 2 lakh, subject to assessment of their ventures.
The government also plans to develop haat bazaars from villages to cities to enable the sale of products created by women beneficiaries.
CM Nitish expressed confidence that the scheme would not only enhance women’s position in society but also create sustainable employment opportunities within Bihar. “People will not have to leave the state for work out of compulsion,” he said.
