Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday disbursed Rs 10,000 each to 21 lakh women beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), totaling Rs 2,100 crore. The transfer was completed ahead of the implementation of the model code of conduct for the upcoming state assembly elections.
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar’s scheme for Women Empowerment
This marks the third phase of fund disbursement under the scheme, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 26 via video conferencing from New Delhi. The program has enrolled over 1.1 crore women beneficiaries across Bihar.
Administered by the Rural Development Department, the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana aims to foster entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities among women in the state. The scheme operates through self-help group networks, leveraging existing community structures to reach beneficiaries.
The timing of the fund transfer is significant, as it precedes the enforcement of the Election Commission’s model code of conduct, which restricts government announcements and financial disbursements that could influence voter behavior during election periods. Once the code comes into effect, such transfers would be subject to regulatory scrutiny.
Self-help groups have been the primary implementation mechanism for the scheme, allowing for grassroots-level organization and support for women seeking to establish or expand small businesses and income-generating activities. These groups typically provide members with access to credit, training, and collective resources.
The scheme represents a substantial financial commitment by the Bihar government, with the three phases of disbursement channeling thousands of crores directly into women’s bank accounts. The DBT system aims to reduce intermediaries and ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries efficiently.
Bihar’s Key Schemes
Bihar’s focus on women’s economic empowerment through such schemes reflects broader policy trends across Indian states, where governments have increasingly emphasized financial inclusion and entrepreneurship support for women. The scale of enrollment—exceeding 1.1 crore beneficiaries—indicates significant demand for such programs in the state.
With assembly elections approaching, the scheme’s implementation and fund disbursement pattern will likely receive scrutiny from political observers and the Election Commission. The program’s effectiveness in promoting sustainable self-employment and entrepreneurship among women beneficiaries will become clearer as it matures beyond the initial fund transfer phases.
The Rural Development Department will continue overseeing the scheme’s implementation, working with self-help group networks to ensure beneficiaries receive support beyond direct financial assistance.
