Patna: Bihar’s rural women are building new paths towards financial independence and entrepreneurship through JEEViKA, the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS), which has transformed women’s participation in the rural economy over the past two decades.
What began in 2006 with the formation of six self-help groups (SHGs) across six blocks in different districts of Bihar has grown into a vast community network of 13.06 lakh SHGs. The initiative has helped rural women gain access to banking, credit, livelihood opportunities and markets, while strengthening their role in household and community-level economic decisions.
The journey, highlighted during the Navratri festival celebrating women’s strength, reflects how collective action and financial inclusion have created new opportunities for women across Bihar.
JEEViKA’s Two-Decade Journey: From Six SHGs to 13.06 Lakh Groups
When JEEViKA began its work in 2006, many rural women had limited participation in financial decision-making. Activities such as visiting banks, accessing loans and negotiating in markets were not common parts of their economic lives.
Over the years, the programme has expanded its reach across the state. According to the figures shared in the programme’s account, 1.81 crore households are now connected to 13.06 lakh self-help groups.
The community network also includes:
- 77,787 Gram Sangathans (Village Organisations) supporting and coordinating self-help groups.
- 1,683 Cluster-Level Federations strengthening community institutions.
- ₹76,549 crore in bank credit accessed by women through the SHG network.
- 6,771 Bank Sakhis helping rural communities access financial services.
The programme’s financial discipline is also reflected in its reported low non-performing asset (NPA) rate, although a specific percentage was not provided in the information shared.
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Bank Sakhis Strengthen Financial Inclusion in Rural Bihar
Bank Sakhis have become an important link between rural communities and formal banking services. They help women access financial services, facilitate transactions and provide guidance on financial matters.
Digital transactions through these community-based banking services are also expanding, making it easier for rural women to conduct financial activities closer to home.
By improving access to banking and credit, JEEViKA’s self-help group network has helped women participate more actively in economic activities and explore opportunities beyond traditional household roles.
JEEViKA Women Build Businesses Across Multiple Sectors
Women associated with JEEViKA are increasingly working as entrepreneurs in agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy production, tailoring, mushroom cultivation and food processing.
Their activities extend beyond small-scale livelihood generation to production, management and market participation.
The Kaushiki Women Milk Producer Company is one example of collective enterprise in the dairy sector. Similarly, JEEViKA Didi Ki Rasoi, which operates successfully in hospitals and government offices, demonstrates how women’s groups are participating in food services and institutional catering.
These initiatives illustrate the growing range of livelihood opportunities available to women through collective organisations and enterprise development.
Lakhpati Didi Campaign Targets 94.71 Lakh Women by March 2029
The Lakhpati Didi campaign is providing another avenue for women to increase their household incomes and strengthen their financial independence.
According to the information shared, Bihar has set a target of bringing 94.71 lakh women into the Lakhpati Didi category by March 2029. More than 50.40 lakh women have already been included in this category.
The campaign aims to support women in developing sustainable livelihoods and increasing their earning capacity through a range of economic activities.
Babli Devi: From a Fruit Shop to Banking Services and Tailoring
Babli Devi, a JEEViKA member from Kharudah Panchayat in Thakurganj block of Kishanganj district, is an example of how multiple livelihood activities can contribute to financial independence.
She joined a self-help group in 2018 and started a fruit shop. In 2021, she became a Bank Sakhi and took a loan of ₹30,000 to establish a Customer Service Point (CSP), where she provides banking services.
Today, Babli earns more than ₹1.5 lakh annually through banking services, fruit sales and tailoring.
Her journey demonstrates how access to group-based support and credit can help rural women diversify their sources of income.
Anju Kumari Facilitates Financial Transactions Worth Over ₹2.5 Lakh Daily
Anju Kumari, a resident of Belaw village in Kaler block of Arwal district, joined JEEViKA in 2018.
With support from the Kaveri Gram Sangathan, she operates a Customer Service Point and works as a Bank Sakhi. Through her role, she helps fellow JEEViKA members with financial guidance and banking-related services.
Anju reports facilitating transactions worth more than ₹2.5 lakh every day. Her work highlights the role women can play in bringing banking services closer to rural communities and supporting financial awareness among other women.
Amna Khatoon Builds a Lac Bangle Business With ₹20 Lakh Turnover
Amna Khatoon from Dostiya village in Sheohar district has emerged as an example of rural women’s entrepreneurship through her lac bangle business.
After joining the Ala Hazrat JEEViKA Self-Help Group in 2017, she took a loan of ₹40,000 to support her enterprise. From modest beginnings, her business has grown to achieve an annual turnover of ₹20 lakh.
The business now generates an estimated annual net profit of ₹5–6 lakh, according to the information shared.
Her journey illustrates how access to credit and community-based support can help women develop enterprises and create sustainable sources of income.
Rural Development Minister Highlights Women’s Empowerment
Shravan Kumar, Bihar’s Minister for Rural Development and Information and Public Relations, highlighted the role of women-focused initiatives in expanding opportunities for women across the state.
He referred to measures such as girls’ education, prohibition, 35% reservation for women in government jobs and 50% reservation for women in local-body elections, describing them as steps intended to improve women’s participation and opportunities.
Kumar said JEEViKA’s women members are contributing to economic self-reliance and supporting the vision of a clean and prosperous Bihar. On the occasion of Navratri, he also paid tribute to women and acknowledged their role in bringing change to society.
JEEViKA’s Role in Bihar’s Rural Economy
JEEViKA’s two-decade journey reflects the expansion of women-led community institutions, access to formal credit and livelihood diversification in rural Bihar.
From banking services and dairy production to food services and small businesses, women associated with the programme are participating in a wider range of economic activities. The network of self-help groups, village organisations and cluster-level federations provides a community-based structure for financial access and collective enterprise.
With the Lakhpati Didi campaign targeting 94.71 lakh women by March 2029, the next phase of the programme will focus on expanding income opportunities and strengthening women’s economic participation across the state.
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