In a landmark initiative to boost women’s self-reliance and entrepreneurship in Bihar, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar jointly launched the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme on Friday. Marking a significant moment in the state’s welfare and employment landscape, Rs. 10,000 each was directly transferred to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women beneficiaries, totaling Rs. 7,500 crore.
The event was held in Patna under the leadership of Mr. Nitish Kumar, with Mr. Modi joining virtually via video conferencing. Both leaders emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and economic independence.
A Festival of Financial Freedom for Women During Navratri
Speaking at the event, Mr. Modi said, “There is no greater joy than receiving blessings from mothers and sisters during the holy days of Navratri.” He added that the women of Bihar are not only aware but also aspirational, and this financial assistance will help them build dignified and independent futures.
Mr. Modi affectionately referred to himself and Mr. Nitish Kumar as “two brothers of Jeevika Didis,” saying both are united in their mission to transform the lives of Bihar’s women.
Future Support of Rs. 2 Lakh and Skill Training Promised
The Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme doesn’t end with a one-time installment. Mr. Modi announced that each beneficiary will be eligible to receive Rs. 2,00,000 in future installments. The government will also facilitate skill-based training tailored to each woman’s employment interest, enabling them to establish sustainable livelihoods.
This scheme aligns with the broader goal of creating a new class of self-sufficient women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
DBT Revolution: A New Chapter in Welfare Governance
Mr. Modi highlighted the transformative power of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in ensuring transparency and accountability. Referring to former Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi’s remark that only 15 paise out of every rupee reached the people, he said, “That era is over. Today, every rupee reaches directly into the hands of our sisters.”
The initiative is deeply rooted in the government’s financial inclusion agenda, which began with the Jan Dhan Yojana. More than 30 crore women now have bank accounts linked with Aadhaar and mobile numbers, making large-scale DBT programs like this possible.
Towards a New Bihar: Women-Led Development
Mr. Modi confidently stated that “the day is not far when Bihar will have the highest number of millionaire sisters in the country.” The combined efforts of the central and state governments aim to bring about inclusive development, where empowered women become economic growth drivers.
The scheme, launched during the auspicious Navratri season, reflects the government’s belief that empowering women leads to stronger families, communities, and a more resilient state economy.
