Bhojpur: A new government scheme in Bihar has created a wave of excitement among women in Bhojpur district. The Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme, which promises financial help of up to Rs 2 lakh for women to start self-employment, opened for applications on 7 September. Within just two days, more than 1.95 lakh women applied for the scheme, showing how popular and important it has become.
Under the scheme, one woman from each family will be given Rs 10,000 as the first installment. This money will go directly into their bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Officials said the payments will begin from the third week of September. Later, after the women start their employment work, the remaining amount from the total Rs 2 lakh will be given in steps. The government wants to make sure the first installment reaches all eligible women before the assembly election announcement.
The scheme is being run through Jeevika groups in the district. Out of 2.5 lakh Jeevika members, nearly 80% have already applied. However, floods in six blocks of Bhojpur have slowed down the process of collecting forms. In some villages, hundreds of applications are ready, but they have not reached block offices because transport is blocked by water. Officials said they are working hard to upload all applications on the government portal by 14 September.
Publicity is also being carried out in Nagar Panchayats like Ara Sadar, Koilwar, Jagdishpur and others. Vehicles are moving through wards to spread information about the scheme, while Jeevika offices are helping women fill out applications free of charge. Women need to submit a copy of their Aadhaar card and bank account number along with their form. Officials are checking all details carefully so that there is no mistake and money can reach the right accounts. The scheme is being seen as an important step to make women self-reliant and to give them financial independence.
