Patna: Patna is preparing for the launch of a major programme that aims to change the lives of women across the state. On 7 September, chief minister Nitish Kumar will formally release the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, a scheme designed to help women become financially independent and set up their own sources of income. The state cabinet has already approved the plan, and officials say the first benefits will begin this month.
The rural development department will look after the scheme. Minister Shravan Kumar said the programme is not only for women but also for the progress of society as a whole. The idea is simple: at least one woman in every family of Bihar should be given a chance to start work of her choice. To make this possible, the government will first transfer Rs 10,000 into the account of one woman from each family. Once her employment begins, she will receive another Rs 2 lakh as extra support. The minister said this was a matter of pride and that Bihar was becoming an example of women’s empowerment for the rest of the country.
Officials explained that the scheme is more than just financial aid. It is expected to bring life to the rural economy by creating jobs within villages and small towns. When women set up their own businesses, their families will benefit, but local communities will also gain new opportunities. This, the government believes, will reduce the need for people to leave their homes in search of work elsewhere. From 7 September, applications will start being accepted through village organisations. A special web portal is also being prepared for women in towns and cities so they can apply without difficulty.
The new plan is an extension of the successful “Jeevika” model. Since 2006, Jeevika has brought women together in self-help groups and helped them run small businesses. Today, more than 11 lakh groups exist, with over 1.4 crore women involved in them. The programme has even spread to towns, where 3.8 lakh women are working in groups. Thousands of women have managed to increase their earnings, and around 38 lakh women have even become lakhpatis through Jeevika.
The state recently held a Mahila Samvad programme, where over 1.5 crore women from 60,000 villages took part. They shared their views, especially about the need for easier loans and more job opportunities. Taking these suggestions seriously, the government reduced interest rates on loans and has now come forward with the Mahila Rojgar Yojana. Minister Shravan Kumar said the new scheme will directly improve the income of lakhs of women in both rural and urban Bihar, raise the living standards of their families, and reduce migration from the state. He added that chief minister Nitish Kumar has always believed women’s participation is key to development, and this scheme will take Bihar closer to the dream of “Empowered Women, Prosperous Bihar”.
