Patna: RJD leader and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav on Tuesday announced a series of welfare measures, including a Rs 30,000 annual cash transfer to women under the Mai Behen Yojana, if the Grand Alliance forms the next government in Bihar.
Addressing a press conference in Patna on the last day of campaigning for the first phase of Bihar polls, Tejashwi said the scheme would provide direct financial support to women by depositing the entire annual amount in one go. “After forming the government, on January 14, the entire annual amount of Rs 30,000 will be transferred to women’s accounts so they can make meaningful use of it,” he said.
The RJD’s flagship Mai Behen Yojana, announced earlier in the campaign, promises Rs 2,500 per month to women. Tejashwi also said JEEViKA Didi Community Mobilizers, locally known as “CM Didis”, would be made permanent employees and receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 2,000.
Other major announcements include:
- Free electricity for irrigation, replacing the current 55 paise per unit charge.
- An additional Rs 300 per quintal for paddy and Rs 400 per quintal for wheat procurement.
- Implementation of the Old Pension Scheme for government employees.
- Transfers for government employees within a 70km radius to reduce hardship.
- Primary Agriculture Credit Society (PACS) representatives to be recognised as public representatives and paid an honorarium.
Tejashwi said the RJD’s vision is to ensure “economic dignity and security” for women and farmers, promising that the next government under his leadership would “deliver on these commitments without delay.”
The announcements are seen as part of the RJD’s broader strategy to consolidate support among women, farmers, and state employees ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections’ first phase.
