Patna is witnessing a significant policy move as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a major financial incentive for graduate girls in Bihar. In an important decision taken just months before the state elections, the Education Department has released Rs 700 crore under the Mukhyamantri Balika (Graduate) Protsahan Yojana for the financial year 2025-26.

This amount will directly benefit 1.40 lakh graduate girls, each receiving Rs 50,000 in their bank accounts. The scheme is considered one of the most impactful welfare initiatives for women in Bihar, and the timing of the release makes it politically significant.

More Than Five Lakh Graduates Eligible

According to official records, Bihar has more than five lakh graduate girls eligible for the scheme. The government has launched an online portal to invite applications. Over 4.5 lakh graduate girls have already applied to claim the benefit. The last date for submitting applications is September 14.

Once applications close, the government will verify Aadhaar details of every applicant. The incentive money will then be transferred to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through direct benefit transfer. The Education Department has also shared necessary details with the Accountant General to ensure smooth distribution.

Funding Requirement and Allocations

The Education Department has set an ambitious target of disbursing the incentive by the end of this month. However, to cover all five lakh eligible students, the state will require Rs 2,500 crore. So far, only Rs 700 crore has been released.

Senior officials have clarified that funds will not be a problem. The Finance Department has already received proposals for further allocations. The government is confident that financial requirements will be met to ensure every eligible girl receives the promised benefit.

The scheme is open to graduate girls from all faculties and any recognized educational institution. This makes it inclusive across streams like arts, science, and commerce, ensuring no section is left behind.

Background of the Scheme

The Mukhyamantri Balika (Graduate) Protsahan Yojana was first launched in April 2018. At that time, graduate girls received Rs 25,000 each after completing their degree.

Recognizing the rising cost of education and the need for greater support, the government doubled the incentive to Rs 50,000 from April 1, 2021. Since the inception of the scheme, nearly 3.75 lakh graduate girls have already benefited.

Officials note that the scheme has played a crucial role in encouraging female students to complete higher education, particularly in rural districts where dropout rates are high.

Political Significance Before Elections

The announcement of fresh funds has come just ahead of state assembly elections, making it politically relevant. Nitish Kumar’s government is keen to strengthen its support base among women voters, who form a decisive bloc in Bihar’s politics.

Welfare schemes targeting education, health, and financial empowerment of women have been a recurring focus of Nitish Kumar’s leadership. By releasing Rs 700 crore now, the government has not only supported graduate girls but also sent a strong political message of prioritizing women empowerment.

Observers suggest that this move could help the ruling party counter criticism on unemployment and development gaps. It aligns with the government’s strategy to present itself as a promoter of inclusive growth.

Direct Benefit Transfer Ensures Transparency

One of the hallmarks of the scheme is the use of direct benefit transfer. Money is sent directly to the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of beneficiaries. This eliminates middlemen and ensures transparency in disbursement.

Officials highlight that DBT reduces corruption risks and builds trust among citizens. Over the past few years, Bihar has increasingly adopted DBT for pensions, scholarships, and subsidies. In fact, earlier this year, the government transferred pension payments to over 1.13 crore people through DBT.

Such measures have strengthened administrative efficiency and improved delivery of welfare schemes.

Voices From the Education Department

Senior education department officials have stated that there will be no shortage of funds for the scheme. They confirmed that financial proposals have been sent to the Finance Department for approval of the remaining amount.

Their priority is to complete Aadhaar verification quickly and start transferring funds by the end of the month. Officials believe the scheme is vital in encouraging young women to continue their academic journey without financial hurdles.

Empowering Women Through Higher Education

The Mukhyamantri Balika Protsahan Yojana is more than just a cash incentive. It symbolizes Bihar’s attempt to promote women’s education at a time when female participation in higher studies remains low in several regions.

Graduation is often considered a turning point in the lives of young women in Bihar. Financial incentives provide motivation to families to encourage their daughters to complete their degrees instead of pushing them towards early marriage or employment.

By supporting graduate girls with Rs 50,000, the government is indirectly investing in long-term socio-economic development. Educated women contribute not only to household income but also to community progress.

Public Response to the Scheme

The scheme has received positive response from families across the state. Parents of graduate girls see it as a recognition of their daughters’ hard work. Many beneficiaries have expressed that the money will help them pursue further studies, professional courses, or skill training.

Some families plan to use the incentive for marriage-related expenses, while others see it as a stepping stone for self-employment opportunities. This shows the diverse impact such cash transfers can have in society.

Looking at the Numbers

The scale of the scheme is massive. Over five lakh graduates are eligible in the current cycle. With each receiving Rs 50,000, the total requirement stands at Rs 2,500 crore.

So far, Rs 700 crore has been released, covering 1.40 lakh beneficiaries. Once the remaining funds are cleared, the scheme will become one of the largest cash-based incentive programs for women in the country.

The government’s ability to mobilize such funds reflects its commitment to higher education and gender empowerment.

Lessons From Previous Years

In the past seven years, the scheme has undergone changes to improve efficiency. Initially, delays in verification slowed down disbursements. However, with Aadhaar-based DBT, most issues have been resolved.

Since 2018, around 3.75 lakh graduate girls have received the incentive. This consistent support has encouraged many students to enroll in postgraduate programs or competitive exams. The continuity of the scheme has also strengthened trust in government initiatives.

Wider Impact on Bihar’s Education System

The incentive scheme has had ripple effects across the education system. Colleges and universities report increased enrollment of female students. Families, especially in rural districts, are more willing to support higher studies when they know financial assistance is assured after graduation.

Experts believe that such targeted schemes can reduce dropout rates and create a stronger pool of educated women in Bihar. This is particularly significant in a state where education indicators have historically lagged behind national averages.

Economic Implications

The financial outlay of Rs 2,500 crore is substantial. However, economists argue that such social investments yield long-term benefits. Educated women are more likely to join the workforce, start businesses, or engage in community leadership.

This contributes to overall economic growth and social progress. The government’s emphasis on direct cash incentives complements broader policies aimed at skill development and entrepreneurship.

Looking Ahead

The immediate challenge for the government is to complete application verification and release funds on time. With elections approaching, timely disbursement is also politically important.

Future prospects may include further expansion of the scheme, possibly linking it with postgraduate incentives or skill development programs. This could create a comprehensive support structure for young women pursuing education in Bihar.

The Mukhyamantri Balika Protsahan Yojana has become a cornerstone of Bihar’s welfare policies. By releasing Rs 700 crore for 1.40 lakh beneficiaries, Nitish Kumar has reinforced his government’s commitment to women’s education.

The scheme’s growth since 2018 highlights its success in encouraging graduation among girls. With DBT ensuring transparency, and further funds in the pipeline, the scheme stands as a powerful example of social empowerment.

As Bihar prepares for elections, this announcement carries both social and political weight. For graduate girls and their families, it is a much-needed support and recognition of academic achievement. For the government, it is an opportunity to showcase its focus on women, education, and inclusive growth.