Patna: Women from the General, Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Backward Classes in Bihar could soon become eligible for financial assistance under the state government’s Civil Services Incentive Scheme.
According to Social Welfare Minister Dr Shweta Gupta, the department has decided to expand the scheme to include female candidates from these categories. The proposal is expected to be placed before the state Cabinet for approval soon.
Once approved, eligible women who meet the prescribed criteria will be able to receive financial assistance after clearing the preliminary stages of specified competitive examinations.
4,513 Women Have Benefited Since 2021-22
The incentive scheme is currently available to eligible female candidates who clear specified competitive examinations.
Since the 2021-22 financial year, 4,513 female candidates have benefited from the scheme, with the government disbursing a total of Rs 23.395 crore in financial assistance.
The proposed expansion is aimed at enabling more women from different social and economic backgrounds to pursue careers in civil services and other government sectors.
Up to Rs 1 Lakh Incentive Proposed
Under the proposal, female candidates who clear the preliminary examinations of certain UPSC-conducted examinations could receive incentives ranging from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
These examinations include:
- Indian Engineering Services (IES)
- Indian Economic Service (IES)
- Indian Statistical Service (ISS)
- Combined Geo-Scientist Examination
A financial incentive of Rs 50,000 has also been proposed for candidates who clear the preliminary examinations for the Combined Defence Services (CDS), National Defence Academy (NDA), CBI and civil services examinations conducted by other states.
Rs 30,000 Incentive for Other Competitive Exams
The proposal also includes an incentive of Rs 30,000 for candidates who clear the preliminary stages of the RBI Grade B, SBI and certain railway recruitment examinations.
At present, female candidates who clear the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination receive Rs 1 lakh to support their preparation for the Main examination. Those who clear the BPSC Preliminary Examination are provided an incentive of Rs 50,000.
The proposed expansion of the scheme is subject to Cabinet approval.
