Patna: The Bihar government will transfer Rs 10,000 each to 25 lakh women across the state on February 16 under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, in a major push to promote women’s financial independence. Chief minister Nitish Kumar is scheduled to release Rs 2,500 crore through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring the money reaches beneficiaries directly in their bank accounts.
The funds will be transferred at 9:45am via video conferencing, according to officials. To mark the occasion, programmes will be organised at multiple administrative levels, including districts, blocks, cluster centres and village organisations. District magistrates will oversee district-level events in all 38 districts, highlighting the scale of the initiative.
The scheme is designed to help women start small businesses and become self-reliant. Under the programme, beneficiaries are eligible to receive financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh in five phases. The current transfer of Rs 10,000 marks the first phase. Subsequent instalments will include Rs 20,000 in the second phase, Rs 40,000 in the third phase, Rs 80,000 in the fourth phase, and Rs 60,000 in the final phase.
Officials said further payments will depend on how effectively the initial funds are used. Village organisations will assess whether the beneficiaries have started income-generating activities and evaluate their progress. These reports will be submitted to block-level authorities, who will decide on the release of future instalments.
The government has described the scheme as a key step towards strengthening women’s economic participation and encouraging entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. Authorities believe the initiative will not only improve livelihoods but also expand employment opportunities for women across Bihar.
