Patna: The Bihar Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on Thursday approved a major decision to provide additional financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh to selected beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, a flagship scheme aimed at women’s economic empowerment.
The decision marks a significant step toward strengthening women entrepreneurship and employment generation within the state.
Additional Financial Assistance for Women Entrepreneurs
Announcing the decision after the cabinet meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat Department, Arvind Kumar Choudhary, said the cabinet has given its nod to begin the process of providing additional financial support to women beneficiaries who have successfully started businesses under the scheme.
The additional assistance of up to ₹2 lakh will be provided in phases, based on proper utilization of funds and performance evaluation. In cases where beneficiaries demonstrate strong business performance, the amount may also be released as a lump sum.
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About Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana
The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, approved in August 2025, aims to ensure economic self-reliance for women by enabling them to start businesses of their choice. Under the scheme:
- One woman from each family is eligible
- An initial assistance of ₹10,000 is provided to start a business
- Employment opportunities are created within the state
Since the scheme’s launch in September 2025, the state government has transferred ₹10,000 each to 1.56 crore women beneficiaries directly into their bank accounts.
Performance-Based Incentive Model
The scheme envisages an evaluation of each beneficiary’s entrepreneurial activity after six months. Women who successfully run their ventures will be eligible for additional funding of up to ₹2 lakh, encouraging sustainability and business growth.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, in a post on social media platform X, said the initiative would not only improve women’s financial independence but also reduce forced migration for employment.
Marketing Support and Departmental Linkages
The Chief Minister also directed concerned departments to ensure proper marketing of products made by women beneficiaries. He emphasized linking beneficiaries with existing government initiatives such as:
- Dress-making units
- Sudha Sales Centres
- Didi Ki Rasoi
These linkages are expected to provide stable market access and income opportunities.
Other Key Cabinet Decisions
Apart from the Mahila Rozgar Yojana, the cabinet also approved several other important proposals:
- Creation of 99 posts across various categories in the newly formed Civil Aviation Department
- Creation of 161 posts for officers and staff in the newly established Higher Education Department
- Sanction of ₹87.81 crore for setting up a Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Dumrao, Buxar district, to be named after Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan
In total, the cabinet approved 32 agenda items during the meeting.
Focus on Inclusive Growth
The cabinet’s decisions reflect the Bihar government’s continued focus on women empowerment, employment generation, education, and cultural development, with the Mahila Rozgar Yojana emerging as a key pillar of inclusive economic growth in the state.
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