Patna: The Bihar government is considering extending its Jeevika-stitched uniform programme to government primary schools, following its rollout for Anganwadi children across the state. The proposal would cover students from classes 1 to 5 and is aimed at improving uniform delivery while expanding employment opportunities for rural women.
The announcement was made by rural development minister Shrawon Kumar at a programme in Patna on Sunday, January 18, where uniforms stitched by Jeevika women were distributed to Anganwadi children. The event was held at the Dashrath Manjhi Labour and Employment Study Institute and was attended by social welfare minister Madan Sahni and senior officials from both departments.
Kumar said his department would soon hold discussions with the education department to take the proposal forward. At present, around 50 lakh Anganwadi children are receiving uniforms stitched by women associated with Jeevika self-help groups, with distribution expected to be completed by March. Officials said the scheme ensures that children receive uniforms directly, rather than cash allowances that were sometimes spent on other needs.
Under the state’s self-employment promotion scheme, more than 1.54 crore Jeevika women were earlier provided Rs 10,000 each. Many used the money to buy sewing machines and are now involved in uniform production. About one lakh women are currently working through 1,050 stitching centres, a number the government says could rise to over five lakh in the coming years.
Jeevika, which began in 2006 with World Bank support, now connects more than 1.4 crore women through over 11 lakh self-help groups. The programme has played a key role in strengthening the rural economy, officials said, and has recently seen growing interest from women in urban areas as well.
Social welfare minister Madan Sahni said Anganwadi children are already provided eggs twice a week and milk daily, and that uniforms help promote equality among children. He also said improved nutrition and regular meals at Anganwadi centres were helping address malnutrition. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jeevika women had also produced more than 11 crore masks, highlighting the scale of the network.
Officials added that new digital tools to monitor stitching and training manuals were launched at the event, as the state looks to further expand the programme in the coming months.
