Bihar CM Nitish Kumar Launches Women Employment Scheme: ₹10,000 in First Phase

In a significant move ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced the launch of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. The scheme aims to provide direct financial assistance to women across the state, beginning with an initial installment of ₹10,000 to one woman in every family. Beyond this first payment, women who begin self-employment or small businesses will be eligible for additional financial aid of up to ₹2 lakh after assessment.

Announcement of the Scheme

Nitish Kumar made the announcement through a social media post on Friday, confirming that the state cabinet has already approved the scheme. This immediate approval ensures that implementation begins without delay. The Rural Development Department has been assigned the responsibility of managing the rollout.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary added that Bihar has around 2.70 crore families, and one woman from each family can apply to receive the ₹10,000 grant. This initiative, he said, is designed to empower women across communities, irrespective of caste, class, or background.

Objective of the Women Employment Scheme

The primary goal of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana is to promote women’s participation in economic activities by providing them with seed capital. The government believes that an upfront amount of ₹10,000 will help women begin small-scale entrepreneurial ventures, which could later be expanded with additional financial aid from the state.

By integrating women into self-employment opportunities, the scheme not only aims to boost household incomes but also seeks to make women more self-reliant and active contributors to Bihar’s economy.

Key Features of the Scheme

The Nitish Kumar-led government has highlighted several important features of the program. The scheme does not impose caste or category restrictions, ensuring inclusivity for women across the state.

1. The first installment of ₹10,000 will be credited to the bank account of one eligible woman per family after registration.

2. Registration for the scheme is expected to begin in September 2025, after which payments will start rolling out.

3. The scheme has no eligibility barriers; women from all classes and communities are free to apply.

4. Women who utilize the ₹10,000 to begin self-employment will undergo a review after six months. Based on performance and need, they can receive additional support of up to ₹2 lakh.

5. The government also plans to develop rural and urban haat bazaars where women can market and sell their products.

6. An estimated 2.70 crore families across Bihar will benefit from the scheme.

First Phase: Direct Transfer of ₹10,000

The scheme’s initial step will involve a direct bank transfer of ₹10,000 into the accounts of registered women. The Bihar government has ensured that the process will be simple and digital to prevent delays.

The first installment will serve as working capital to help women purchase materials, initiate trades, or invest in services. It is expected that this amount will motivate women to take the first step toward entrepreneurship.

Additional Support of Up to ₹2 Lakh

The scheme also envisions long-term support for women who actively pursue employment ventures. After a six-month review period, women who successfully utilize the initial installment to begin sustainable businesses will be eligible for additional funding of up to ₹2 lakh.

This support will be need-based, ensuring that women who demonstrate initiative and require expansion funds receive adequate financial backing. The goal is to ensure that women-led ventures can grow into self-sustaining businesses that contribute to the local economy.

Development of Haat Bazaars

To ensure that women’s products reach broader markets, the government has planned to set up haat bazaars across both rural and urban areas. These marketplaces will serve as designated hubs where women entrepreneurs can showcase and sell their products directly to consumers.

Officials believe that the development of structured marketplaces will provide consistent income opportunities for women while also promoting local products and crafts at the grassroots level.

Scale of the Scheme

With 2.70 crore families in Bihar, the scale of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana is enormous. If implemented effectively, this initiative could become one of the largest women-centric financial empowerment programs in India.

Given Bihar’s economic and social demographics, direct financial support to women could significantly improve household resilience, especially in rural areas where employment opportunities are limited.

Political Significance Ahead of Elections

The timing of the scheme’s launch is critical as it comes just months before the Bihar Assembly elections. Analysts believe that the program not only addresses socio-economic needs but also has electoral implications, as it directly targets women voters, who constitute a significant portion of the electorate.

Nitish Kumar emphasized in his announcement that women empowerment has been a consistent focus of his government since 2005. He cited several initiatives, including reservations for women in local bodies and schemes promoting girls’ education, as part of his government’s record.

Government’s Perspective on Women Empowerment

Nitish Kumar’s statement highlighted the transformative role of women in Bihar’s development. He said that women today are not only strengthening their families but are also contributing significantly to the state’s overall growth.

According to him, the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana is another step in this direction, designed to create opportunities that will have long-term benefits. By helping women achieve economic independence, the scheme aims to transform social structures and uplift entire communities.

Implementation Challenges

While the scheme’s announcement has been welcomed, experts note potential challenges in its execution. Ensuring that all eligible women receive timely payments, preventing misuse of funds, and monitoring the impact of additional financial support are among the key hurdles.

Effective implementation will require coordination between the Rural Development Department, banks, and local administrative bodies. Transparency in registration and disbursement will be crucial to avoid corruption or delays.

Reactions from Citizens and Experts

Initial reactions from citizens suggest optimism, particularly among women in rural areas who see the scheme as a means to begin small ventures like tailoring, handicrafts, or food businesses.

Economists, however, have pointed out that while the initiative is ambitious, its success will depend on whether women receive guidance, training, and market linkages in addition to financial assistance. Without proper mentorship and infrastructure, they warn, the funds may not lead to sustainable employment.

The launch of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana marks an ambitious step by the Nitish Kumar government to empower women across Bihar. With an initial transfer of ₹10,000 to one woman per family, followed by the possibility of up to ₹2 lakh in additional support, the scheme promises to transform women’s economic participation.