Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojna (Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme), describing it as a major step towards women’s self-reliance and a stronger state economy.
At a ceremony held at his official residence, the chief minister opened an online portal for applications, initiated an awareness campaign and formally began the process of extending financial support to women in urban areas. Deputy chief ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, along with ministers Vijay Chaudhary, Jeevesh Kumar and Shravan Kumar, were also present.
The government’s vision is that every family in Bihar should have at least one woman entrepreneur. Officials argue that this will not only lift households economically but also create a ripple effect, strengthening communities and the wider state economy.
Under the scheme, women will receive Rs 10,000 directly in their bank accounts as seed capital to begin work. For those wishing to expand their ventures, additional assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh will be available. The entire process will run on direct benefit transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society, better known as JEEViKA, will operate and implement the programme. With years of experience organising women into self-help groups and supporting their livelihoods, JEEViKA has been entrusted with building the scheme into a wider movement of women-led enterprise.
