PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched Bihar’s Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, and transferred Rs 10,000 each to the bank accounts of 75 lakh women.

 

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.

 

Asserting that the magnitude of the scheme is massive, the PM said that the 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 has 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 even flying fighter jets.