In a move aimed at bolstering its position in the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the NDA government has launched a significant initiative to empower women. The ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana,’ introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in attendance, is a core component of this strategy. The scheme involves the direct transfer of ₹10,000 to 7.5 million women in Bihar, representing a total investment of ₹7,500 crore. The central government’s intention is to empower women by fostering self-employment and providing livelihood opportunities. The plan is to provide financial assistance to one woman from each family, allowing them to start businesses or engage in income-generating activities. This will be supported by potential additional financial aid up to ₹2 lakh. The beneficiaries can engage in different sectors, like agriculture and handicrafts. The ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana’ will be community-led, with support and training from Self-Help Groups. Also, rural markets will be developed to improve sales of women’s products. Funds will be transferred directly via DBT, a method designed to increase transparency, reduce corruption, and ensure timely distribution of benefits. The success of this program is critical for the NDA as they seek to replicate their electoral victories.
