Patna: The Bihar Rural Development Department has launched a pilot project through JEEVIKA to strengthen the social and economic empowerment of senior citizens and persons with disabilities across the state. The initiative aims to form dedicated groups for these communities and connect them with financial assistance, government welfare schemes, skill development and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The programme seeks to promote social and economic justice by helping elderly people and persons with disabilities become more financially independent and participate actively in community life. Through these specialised groups, the initiative will facilitate access to government benefits and encourage members to engage in income-generating activities.
According to JEEVIKA officials, approximately 2.42 lakh persons with disabilities are already associated with the organisation’s network of more than 14.10 lakh self-help groups (SHGs). The new initiative focuses on creating dedicated groups to address the specific needs of persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
JEEVIKA to Provide Financial Assistance Through Special Groups
Under the pilot project, separate groups for men, women and mixed groups are being formed for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. These groups will help members access financial assistance, training and welfare benefits while encouraging their participation in social and economic activities.
The proposed financial support includes:
- Revolving Fund: ₹30,000 to support group activities and financial requirements.
- Initial Capitalisation Fund: ₹1.5 lakh to strengthen the groups’ financial capacity and support livelihood-related activities.
The initiative also aims to provide necessary training and facilitate access to various government welfare schemes. By creating dedicated platforms for these communities, JEEVIKA seeks to improve their access to resources and enable them to participate more effectively in economic activities.
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More Than 8,000 Special Groups Formed for Persons with Disabilities
The initial implementation of the project has resulted in the formation of thousands of specialised groups across Bihar.
According to the figures provided by the department, the progress so far includes:
- Persons with disabilities: 8,299 special groups have been formed across the state, bringing together 50,486 members.
- Senior citizens: 686 special groups have been established in three districts, connecting 8,559 elderly people.
Members of these groups are being linked with JEEVIKA programmes and other government welfare initiatives. The groups are also intended to facilitate greater participation in community activities and improve access to financial and social support.
The pilot project is expected to help address the specific challenges faced by elderly people and persons with disabilities by providing them with a dedicated support structure at the community level.
Aadhaar, PAN, Pension and Assistive Devices to Be Facilitated
The Rural Development Department and JEEViKA are working to help elderly people and persons with disabilities access essential documents and welfare entitlements.
The initiative includes support in accessing Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, pensions and other eligible government schemes. These efforts are intended to reduce barriers that often prevent beneficiaries from receiving financial assistance and essential services.
The programme also facilitates access to assistive devices through the CCRC in Patna. These include:
- Wheelchairs.
- Walking sticks.
- Eyeglasses.
- Other essential assistive equipment.
By combining financial support with access to welfare schemes and assistive devices, the initiative aims to improve beneficiaries’ daily lives and strengthen their social inclusion.
JEEVIKA to Promote Cottage Industries and Self-Employment
Beyond financial assistance and welfare support, the initiative aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
The department is working to connect members with cottage industries, small businesses and other income-generating activities. The objective is to enable beneficiaries to use their skills and capabilities to earn an income and become more self-reliant.
Plans are also being initiated to establish production units for persons with disabilities, including units engaged in making envelopes and paper bags. Such activities could provide opportunities for skill development, collective production and small-scale enterprise creation.
Shrawan Kumar Highlights Social and Economic Empowerment
Shrawan Kumar, Bihar’s Minister for Rural Development and Information and Public Relations, described the formation of dedicated groups for senior citizens and persons with disabilities under JEEVIKA as an important initiative.
He said the government’s objective is not limited to providing financial assistance but also includes connecting these communities with cottage industries and self-employment opportunities to support independent and dignified living.
The minister also highlighted efforts to link beneficiaries with pensions, essential assistive devices and various welfare schemes through the special groups. He expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute to improving the social and economic well-being of elderly people and persons with disabilities in Bihar.
JEEVIKA’s Role in Inclusive Rural Development
JEEVIKA operates under Bihar’s Rural Development Department and works through a large network of community-based self-help groups to support rural livelihoods, financial inclusion and women’s empowerment.
Through the new pilot project, the organisation is extending its community-based approach to the specific needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. By combining financial support, access to welfare schemes, assistive devices, training and livelihood opportunities, the initiative seeks to strengthen their participation in social and economic life.
The formation of dedicated groups and the development of income-generating activities are central to the programme’s approach to inclusive development, with the broader objective of helping elderly people and persons with disabilities live with greater financial security, dignity and independence.
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