In a major boost for women’s empowerment in Bihar, the state cabinet has greenlit a game-changing provision under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. Selected women entrepreneurs will now receive a one-time financial aid of ₹2 lakh to scale up their businesses. This comes after the scheme already disbursed ₹10,000 each to over 1.56 crore women, fueling self-employment across the state.
Launched ahead of last year’s elections, the initiative played a pivotal role in the NDA’s sweeping victory. Now, with cabinet approval, the ₹2 lakh aid will be released in phases, but only for those who have successfully utilized the initial grant and demonstrated viable business growth. This conditional approach aims to ensure funds translate into sustainable livelihoods.
Opposition parties, however, are crying foul over the stringent conditions, questioning the government’s true intentions. Is this genuine support or an election gimmick? Meanwhile, JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar fired back at RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, suggesting that if Lalu donated just 25% of his family’s wealth, the state could fund ₹2 lakh for every woman beneficiary.
The scheme, executed through the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (Jeevika) under the Rural Development Department, targets one woman per family starting her preferred venture. Bihar government officials emphasize its role in fostering economic independence, with early success stories already emerging from rural pockets. As implementation ramps up, all eyes are on how this will reshape women’s roles in Bihar’s economy.