In a significant pre-election move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana in Bihar on Friday, transferring ₹10,000 directly to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women. This ₹7,500-crore initiative by Bihar's NDA government aims to empower women through self-employment and enhanced livelihood opportunities.

The scheme was launched virtually from Delhi, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other ministers joining via video conference from Patna. A large number of women from Bihar also participated virtually. Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha stated that in addition to the initial ₹10,000, beneficiaries could receive support up to ₹2 lakh based on their work.

Key Highlights of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana:

• Financial Assistance: The scheme provides financial assistance to one woman per family for livelihood activities, promoting economic independence and social empowerment.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Each beneficiary receives an initial grant of ₹10,000 directly into their bank account through DBT.
• Additional Support: Beneficiaries may receive additional financial support of up to ₹2 lakh in subsequent phases, based on performance.
• Areas of Utilization: The financial assistance can be used in various sectors, including agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, tailoring, weaving, and other small-scale enterprises.
• Community-Driven Approach: The scheme incorporates a community-driven approach, with community resource persons from self-help groups providing training and support to the women.
• Marketing Support: To facilitate the sale of products, the scheme includes plans to further develop Gramin haat bazaars in the state.
• Empowerment and Aatmanirbharta: The initiative aims to make women "Aatmanirbhar" (self-reliant) and promote women's empowerment through self-employment and livelihood opportunities.

According to a statement from the Bihar Chief Minister's Office, after a six-month performance review, eligible women entrepreneurs will receive an additional grant of ₹2 lakh. The initial ₹10,000 assistance is non-refundable.

The launch of this scheme is politically significant, given the upcoming assembly polls in Bihar. Parties are focusing on financial schemes to attract women voters, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate.

Prime Minister Modi criticized the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), asserting that women in Bihar suffered greatly under their rule, particularly regarding law and order. He urged the women to prevent the RJD and its allies from returning to power. Modi emphasized the NDA government's commitment to women's empowerment and expressed confidence that Bihar would soon have the highest number of "Lakhpati Didis" (women with ₹1 lakh or more) in the country.

Jeevika CEO Himanshu Sharma noted the overwhelming response to the scheme, with over 1.08 lakh rural women and around 1 million urban women applying.

It's worth noting that the Indian National Congress has also introduced a scheme named "Mai Bahin Maan Yojana" for women in Bihar, promising ₹2,500 per month to needy women upon forming a government in the state.

Overall, the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana is a significant step towards women's empowerment in Bihar, providing financial assistance and support for self-employment and entrepreneurship.