The Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, approved the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojna in 2025. The scheme aims to provide employment opportunities to women across the state by offering financial assistance to start their own businesses. This initiative seeks to empower women economically and reduce migration in search of jobs.
Scheme Overview
The scheme provides Rs 10,000 as initial financial support to one woman per family to start an occupation of her choice. Applications will open from September 2025. The Rural Development Department will lead the scheme with support from the Urban Development and Housing Department for urban areas. Funds will be directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Financial Support and Follow-up
After six months of business commencement, an assessment will be conducted. If required, additional grants up to Rs 2 lakh will be provided to successful entrepreneurs. The financial assistance is a grant and does not require repayment. This step aims to encourage sustainable entrepreneurship among women.
Market Development for Women Entrepreneurs
Local markets and haat bazaars will be developed in villages and towns to promote the sale of products made by women. This infrastructure support will help women entrepreneurs reach customers easily and boost their business prospects.
Government’s Women Empowerment Initiatives
The Bihar government has a history of promoting women’s empowerment. Since 2006-07, 50% reservation has been provided in rural and urban local bodies. Currently, 57% of representatives are women. The state also implemented prohibition on women’s demand in 2016, improving their social conditions.
Educational Empowerment Measures
The government launched schemes to support girls’ education, including school uniforms, bicycles, and scholarships at various levels. +2 high schools have been opened in gram panchayats to facilitate local education. The 2025-26 budget includes opening a college in every block to increase higher education access for women.
Social and Economic Empowerment Programs
The monthly pension for women was increased from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, benefiting over 1.12 crore women. The Jeevika scheme, supported by the World Bank, has formed 11 lakh self-help groups (SHGs) with 1.40 crore women members. These SHGs provide financial support and promote livelihood activities. The National Urban Livelihood Mission is also implemented through Jeevika.
Impact and Expectations
The Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojna is expected to strengthen women’s economic status and reduce migration. The scheme’s comprehensive approach combines financial aid, market access, and support systems to encourage women entrepreneurship in Bihar.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the role of government schemes in promoting women’s economic empowerment in India.
- Examine the impact of self-help groups on rural livelihoods and women’s social status in India.
- Analyse the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in rural India and suggest policy measures to overcome them.
- Estimate the effects of educational empowerment on women’s participation in local governance and economic activities in India.
