Patna – Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav has announced a major electoral promise aimed at securing the support of women voters in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. Yadav pledged that if the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) forms the government, Jeevika Didis, who work as community mobilisers, will be made permanent government employees and receive a monthly salary of Rs 30,000.
Addressing a press conference in Patna on Wednesday, Yadav criticised the current government's treatment of the Jeevika Didis, stating that "injustice has been done to the Jeevika Didis under this government". He emphasised the crucial role they play in villages and cities, asserting that "any work that happens in villages or cities is not possible without Jeevika Didis".
In addition to the promise of permanent employment and a significantly increased salary, Yadav outlined a series of additional benefits for the Jeevika Didis. These include:
- Waiver of interest on existing loans
- Interest-free credit for the next two years
- An additional allowance of Rs 2,000 per month
- Insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh for all cadres
Yadav also promised to initiate the BETI and MAA schemes in the state.
The RJD leader positioned his announcement as a direct challenge to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government's Jeevika Didi initiative. He criticised the NDA's decision to provide Rs 10,000 under the Mai Bahin Maan Yojana, calling it a "bribe". He argued that the public is "fed up" with the Nitish Kumar-led "double-engine" government due to issues such as corruption, migration, unemployment, and rising crime.
"They distributed Rs 10,000 under the Mai Bahin Maan Yojana for the women of Bihar, which is a bribe," Yadav stated. "This is a loan, Amit Shah himself said it. This means that they will recover this money. Today, we are going to make another historic announcement".
The Jeevika Didis are community mobilisers who work with self-help groups (SHGs) to empower women in rural areas. They play a vital role in implementing various government schemes and promoting social and economic development at the grassroots level.
Yadav's announcement comes amidst intense political activity ahead of the Bihar elections. He stated that the RJD's poll campaign would officially commence on October 24, 2025. He also mentioned plans to meet with senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot to address seat-sharing issues within the Mahagathbandhan.
The announcement has already drawn criticism from the BJP. Bihar Deputy CM and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary attacked Yadav, accusing his family of having "looted the people of Bihar for 15 years".
Tejashwi Yadav's promise to the Jeevika Didis represents a significant attempt to woo women voters and address long-standing demands for recognition and security for these community workers. The move is expected to be a key element of the RJD's campaign strategy as the party seeks to unseat the incumbent NDA government in the upcoming elections.
