Nawada: A major protest took place in Nawada on Wednesday after thousands of Jeevika women surrounded the Jeevika office in Sirdala Bazaar. The women said they had not received funds under the Chief Minister’s Employment Generation Scheme, even though they were promised benefits months ago. Women from several panchayats reached the office together and raised strong slogans, demanding answers and immediate action from officials.
The protesting women claimed that they were repeatedly assured that the funds would arrive soon but nothing happened even after two to three months. They said their applications were not processed online and no benefits were provided despite multiple visits to the office. Some women shared that they were even turned away by being told they were members of the Federation, not the Jeevika group. This anger increased further when they entered the office to seek answers.
According to the women, office staff locked the main gate and left as soon as the crowd entered. They alleged that the area coordinator, Rajkumar, also fled the office without speaking to anyone. Women from nearly 15 panchayats — including Manju Didi, Ranju Didi, Babita, Ranjana, Savita and Rita — took part in the protest. They said they had been associated with Jeevika since 2011 and could not understand why around 1,100 women were being denied benefits under the scheme.
The protesters warned that if justice is not given soon, they will intensify the agitation and block major roads in Nawada. Meanwhile, area coordinator Rajkumar rejected all allegations and said the claims were baseless. He stated that an investigation will be conducted and only then will the full truth come out. However, the women remain firm on their demand and say they will continue their protest until the promised funds are released.
