Patna: In a landmark move towards economic empowerment of rural women, the Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society—better known as Jeevika—held a key meeting in Patna on Friday to formalise the creation of Bihar State Jeevika Nidhi Credit Cooperative Limited. The initiative aims to establish a dedicated, community-driven financial institution for women across all 38 districts of the state.
The event, which gathered 100 representatives from cluster-level committees, marked a decisive step in the cooperative’s launch strategy. The meeting was inaugurated by Lokesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Rural Development Department, alongside Jeevika CEO Himanshu Sharma, both of whom underscored the initiative’s transformative potential.
“The cooperative will serve as a financial backbone for Jeevika Didis, enabling them to access credit without the bureaucratic hurdles of traditional banking,” said Singh in his address. He hailed the cooperative as a “visionary step” by the state government, designed to bolster self-employment and strengthen the economic independence of women-led self-help groups.
Describing the new cooperative as “their own bank”, CEO Sharma emphasised its role in supporting rural women in achieving their financial goals through simplified loan access. “This is not just a financial institution—it is a declaration of willpower and confidence,” Sharma said, noting the state’s commitment to grassroots financial reform.
The meeting also featured detailed presentations on the cooperative’s governance model, lending procedures and monitoring systems. Financial Inclusion Project Coordinator Mukesh Chandra and other senior officials outlined the cooperative’s democratic structure and operational transparency, describing it as a potential model for women-centric financial inclusion nationwide.
In a democratic election process held during the meeting, 12 directors were chosen from among the cluster representatives to form the Management Committee. These women will act as both investors and decision-makers, tasked with shaping the cooperative’s strategic direction. They will undergo further training and receive technical support to strengthen their leadership roles.
Participants praised the initiative as a historic leap toward social and financial empowerment. “Through this cooperative, Jeevika Didis will gain control, access, and independence in their financial lives,” said one representative. “It’s a path to true empowerment.”
The formation of Bihar State Jeevika Nidhi Credit Cooperative Limited is expected to not only alleviate dependence on external financial bodies but also promote a sense of ownership and long-term sustainability among its members.
