Bihar’s 75 lakh women receive Rs 10,000 each as PM launches entrepreneurial scheme ahead of polls

The Rs 7,500-crore scheme, an initiative of Bihar’s NDA government, is aimed at promoting women’s empowerment through self-employment and livelihood opportunities.

The prime minister launched the scheme virtually from Delhi, with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his deputy Samrat Choudhary, and several Union and state ministers joining it through video conference from Patna. A large number of women of the state also joined it virtually.

The launch of the scheme assumes significance ahead of the upcoming assembly polls in the state.

The PM said he was impressed by the vision of the scheme, under which at least one woman from every family will be a beneficiary.

Starting with an initial financial support of Rs 10,000, up to Rs 2 lakh would be provided to the beneficiaries depending on the success of their enterprise.

The PM said the magnitude of the scheme is massive and said that women of Bihar can now open shops selling groceries, utensils, cosmetics, toys, and stationery.

They can also pursue livestock-related businesses such as cattle rearing and poultry farming, he said, adding that for these ventures, necessary training will be provided.

He noted that Bihar already has a robust network of self-help groups, with nearly 11 lakh groups actively functioning.

This means a well-established system is already in place, the PM said.

Noting that the central government’s efforts have opened new sectors for women and daughters across the country, the prime minister highlighted that today, a large number of young women are joining the armed forces and police, and are even flying fighter jets.

Affirming that addressing every hardship faced by citizens is the government’s responsibility, Modi recalled that during the COVID-19 pandemic, a scheme to provide free foodgrains was launched.

“At present, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, over 8.5 crore needy individuals in Bihar are receiving free ration… this has significantly improved lives,” he said.

“A large region of Bihar prefers Usna (parboiled) rice. Previously, mothers and sisters were provided with Arwa rice through government ration, and had to exchange it in the market for Usna rice often receiving only 10 kg of Usna rice for 20 kg of Arwa rice. The government has now started providing Usna rice directly through the ration system,” he added.(Agencies)