The Bihar government has rolled out detailed guidelines for its flagship Chief Minister Women’s Employment Scheme, promising up to Rs 2 lakh in assistance to women entrepreneurs. Launched amid election fervor, the initiative initially disbursed Rs 10,000 to 1.56 crore women to kickstart their ventures. Now, accessing the full amount comes with a structured rollout in four installments, each gated by rigorous evaluations.
Rural Development Department directives sent to all districts outline a multi-tier verification process. After the initial Rs 10,000 grant, village-level assessments gauge business progress. District committees scrutinize applications, followed by state-level approvals before the next tranche is released. This ensures funds fuel genuine self-employment efforts.
The second installment of Rs 20,000 requires beneficiaries to contribute Rs 5,000 personally and submit an affidavit committing to business expansion. Regular participation in self-help group meetings, weekly Rs 10 contributions, savings adherence, and detailed income-expense records are mandatory. Training sessions and clear business plans further solidify eligibility.
Opposition parties cry foul, alleging the scheme was a poll gimmick with easy money during campaigns, now burdened by post-election red tape. Yet, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar recently disbursing another Rs 10,000 to 25 lakh women, the program marches on. Six months post-initial grant, the selection for phase two is underway, emphasizing accountability to transform aid into sustainable livelihoods.
This phased approach aims to empower rural women, fostering entrepreneurship while safeguarding public funds. As implementation gathers pace across Bihar’s districts, it could set a model for women-led economic growth, provided the conditions strike the right balance between support and scrutiny.