Patna: Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana has become one of the most successful schemes of the state government, with more than one crore women applying so far. The aim of the scheme is to make rural women financially independent and self-reliant. The huge response has surprised even the government, as applications have come in from every corner of the state in just a short period of time.
Most women have applied to start small businesses such as animal husbandry, grocery shops and tea-pakora stalls. These activities can be started with very little money and bring quick earnings, which is why rural women prefer them. Goat, poultry and cow rearing can easily be done from home while grocery shops and tea stalls help meet the daily needs of the local community and provide steady income.
The government is giving direct financial help to women through their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts. More than 90 lakh women already have bank accounts through the Jeevika self-help group network, which is a must to apply for the scheme. Each beneficiary will get Rs 10,000 as the first installment, and more support of up to Rs 2 lakh will be given later if needed. This step is expected to strengthen women’s role in supporting their families and improving their standard of living.
Applications are being collected both online and through village-level organizations to make the process easy and accessible. The government has also decided that in joint families, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law will be treated as separate families so that both can apply and receive benefits. This decision is being seen as a major move to empower more women in rural Bihar and give them equal chances to build their future.
