Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bihar State Jeevika Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation, a scheme designed to provide affordable loans and employment opportunities to women across the state. As part of the launch, Rs 105 crore was transferred to benefit crores of women, including 5,09,894 in Patna district.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the economic activities of 1,40,00,000 women in Bihar, including those operating in self-help groups. During the launch, Rajya Sabha member Dr Bhim Singh, District Magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan SM, Deputy Development Commissioner, and 464 Jeevika didis joined through video conferencing.
In Patna, more than 83,523 women participated in local programs organized at 390 venues across 23 blocks. Participants welcomed the initiative, noting it would advance their social and economic empowerment. The district magistrate highlighted that the scheme would boost activities for 43,264 self-help groups and 5,09,894 women in the district.
The state government has previously implemented measures to empower women, including 50 percent reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions, 35 percent reservation in government jobs, formation of self-help groups, implementation of Jeevika, and a complete prohibition on alcohol. Recently, the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana was approved, offering Rs 10,000 as the first installment for employment support, with additional assistance of up to Rs 2,00,000 after six months based on performance.
