Patna, Bihar: In a transformative push towards inclusive development and gender equality, the Rural Development Department, Government of Bihar, is witnessing unprecedented participation from women across the state in the ongoing Mahila Samvad program. On its 32nd day today, the initiative was successfully conducted in all 534 blocks of Bihar, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and active engagement of rural women.
So far, the Mahila Samvad program has been organized in over 36,700 locations, conducted in two shifts per day, and has seen more than 7 lakh aspirations recorded. The overwhelming presence of women in these gatherings is a powerful testament to the program’s resonance and impact at the grassroots level.
A Platform for Open Dialogue and Empowerment
Launched on April 18, 2025, by Hon’ble Chief Minister Nitish Kumar from Patna, Mahila Samvad is envisioned as a direct communication platform where women can freely express their aspirations, concerns, and feedback on local governance and development. This program aims to bridge the communication gap between government schemes and beneficiaries, ensuring that women’s voices are heard and acted upon.
Through open dialogue, women are identifying and prioritizing the key challenges in their villages and hamlets, such as education, healthcare, sanitation, road infrastructure, and housing schemes. Social issues like dowry, alcohol prohibition, and gender-based discrimination have also been raised prominently.
Government Schemes Reaching Every Doorstep
To raise awareness, specially equipped awareness vehicles with digital screens are showcasing video films detailing various women-centric welfare schemes, including:
1)Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyami Yojana
2)Mukhyamantri Balika Cycle Yojana
3)Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme
4)Civil Service Promotion Scheme
5)Sustainable Livelihood Scheme
6)Lakshmi Bai Social Security Pension Scheme
7)One Stop Centers
8)Women Helpline Services
Women who have benefited from these schemes are also sharing their inspiring journeys during the sessions, encouraging others to make use of the available opportunities.
Resolving Problems, Shaping Policies
Issues raised by women during the program are being promptly addressed at the district level, while policy-related suggestions are being forwarded to the state level for consideration. The interactive nature of the program is helping the government identify ground realities more effectively and shape responsive public policies.
Vision for Inclusive Development
The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has long held the belief that the development of Bihar is impossible without empowering its “half the population”—the women. Through Mahila Samvad, the government is laying a strong foundation for participatory governance and gender equity.
The ambitious plan aims to conduct the program at over 70,000 locations, targeting participation from more than 2 crore women across Bihar. As the initiative progresses, it is not just informing and involving women—it is igniting a movement for transformational change in rural Bihar.
