Patna: Bihar government has announced that women associated with the Jivika self-help group initiative, popularly known as Jivika Didis, will serve as brand ambassadors for Champaran Meat as part of its efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote women’s entrepreneurship.
The announcement was made by Rural Development and Information & Public Relations Minister Shrawon Kumar in the Bihar Legislative Council on Thursday after the lunch break.
Focus on Goat Rearing in Hilly Districts
Addressing the House, Kumar said the government would promote goat rearing in Bihar’s hilly districts, with a special focus on West Champaran. The initiative is expected to enhance income opportunities for women linked to Jivika through animal husbandry.
According to the minister, more than 9.78 lakh families across Bihar have become self-reliant through goat rearing and livestock-related activities under the Jivika programme.
He added that in Araria district alone, 19,956 families have been connected through the Seemanchal Goat Production Company, which has helped expand livelihood opportunities for women.
Support Across Multiple Departments
Kumar informed the Council that Jivika Didis in hilly districts, including West Champaran, Kaimur, Jamui, Gaya, Nawada, Banka, Munger, Rohtas, Nalanda and Sheikhpura, would receive additional support from the state’s Dairy, Fisheries and Animal Resources Departments.
The minister made the statement while responding in the House under the chairmanship of Awadhesh Narayan Singh.
Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Initiatives
The minister said 7,781 Pashu Sakhis, who work as community animal husbandry resource persons, have been trained across Bihar to support livestock-based livelihoods.
He added that Jivika Didis have established 61 producer companies and are operating 520 custom hiring centres across the state. In addition, 6,876 Jivika Didi farmers have been engaged to promote organic farming.
To strengthen women’s financial independence, banks facilitated loans worth more than Rs 7,052 crore to 1.29 lakh self-help groups during the 2025–26 financial year, Kumar said.
The state has also established the Bihar State Jeevika Nidhi Shakh Sahkari Sangh Limited (Jeevika Nidhi) to further promote women-led entrepreneurship through a dedicated cooperative institution.
Expansion of Tailoring Programme
The government is also expanding skill development through tailoring centres across Bihar. According to the minister, 1,365 tailoring centres are currently operational, with centres being established in every block.
More than 40,000 Jivika Didis have received tailoring training, while over 51,000 women are currently engaged in employment through these initiatives.
Government Highlights Women’s Suggestions
Kumar said several suggestions put forward by Jivika Didis had been accepted and implemented by the Bihar government under the leadership of former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, with the objective of strengthening women’s participation in livelihood and development programmes.
