Patna: The Bihar government has announced a new initiative to enable women associated with Jivika self-help groups to operate Sudha dairy booths across all 8,053 panchayats in the state under the Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme.
According to the Rural Development Department, the initiative aims to promote self-employment among rural women while expanding the availability of Sudha dairy products at the panchayat level. The scheme will be implemented through an agreement between the Bihar State Milk Co-operative Federation (COMFED) and Jivika.
Financial Assistance For Women Entrepreneurs
Under the scheme, each selected beneficiary will receive financial assistance of Rs 60,000 to establish and operate a Jivika-Sudha sales centre.
Beneficiaries will be required to contribute Rs 15,000 from their own resources. The funds will be used to purchase equipment such as deep freezers and VC coolers, procure dairy products, arrange transportation and meet other operational requirements.
Scheme Targets Rural Livelihoods
The state government said the initiative is intended to create sustainable income opportunities for women while strengthening the rural dairy supply chain.
Bihar currently has more than 1.3 million Jivika self-help groups with over 18.1 million women members. Eligible beneficiaries under the Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme will be able to apply for the new initiative.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be members of a Jivika self-help group and beneficiaries of the Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme.
Officials said applicants must have their details registered on the LoCoS application and should not have any outstanding dues on loans taken through their self-help groups.
Women must also own or rent a shop within their panchayat. The premises should have a minimum area of 70 square feet and be equipped with electricity and road connectivity.
Selection Through Lottery
Applications will be invited from interested Jivika members in every panchayat.
The respective Jivika Women’s Cluster Level Federation (CLF) will scrutinise applications based on the prescribed eligibility criteria. After verification, eligible candidates will be selected through a randomised lottery at the block level.
Government Sees Boost For Rural Economy
Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar said the government is working to connect Jivika members with employment and self-employment opportunities through sustainable livelihood initiatives.
He said expanding the network of Sudha outlets at the panchayat level is expected to improve women’s incomes, strengthen the dairy sector and benefit milk producers while contributing to the rural economy.
