In a landmark initiative aimed at boosting women-led entrepreneurship in Bihar, the state government has launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, transferring ₹10,000 directly into the bank accounts of 7.5 million women. With a total outlay of ₹7,500 crore, the scheme is designed to help women start their own ventures, promoting economic independence and local job creation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the launch event virtually from Delhi, praised the scheme as a bold step towards empowering women, especially in a state where they constitute nearly 48% of the population. “This initiative is not just a welfare scheme—it’s a movement to transform families, villages, and the entire state through women-led development,” he said.
A Political and Economic Milestone
Launched in the run-up to the upcoming state elections, the scheme is part of the NDA government’s larger welfare push. Over the past few months, Bihar has announced multiple initiatives, including increased pensions, enhanced allowances for panchayat leaders, and honorarium hikes for frontline women workers such as ASHA and Jeevika representatives.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, along with Union Minister Lalan Singh and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, joined the Prime Minister during the launch. Kumar emphasized that the scheme builds on the strong foundation of over 11 lakh Jeevika Self-Help Groups (SHGs), calling it a pivotal step towards self-reliance for women.
PM Modi’s Vision for ‘Lakhpati Didi’
Prime Minister Modi tied the initiative to the central government’s broader vision of creating a country of “Lakhpati Didis”—women earning ₹1 lakh or more annually through self-employment and micro-entrepreneurship. “With seed capital of ₹10,000 and an option to scale up to ₹2 lakh in financial assistance, this programme can make Bihar the leader in creating Lakhpati Didis,” Modi said.
He noted that such direct benefit transfers have only become possible due to financial inclusion schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana. “Earlier, only 15 paisa of every rupee used to reach the poor. Today, every paisa goes directly into your account,” he said.
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Women at the Center of Policy
Modi further highlighted that the scheme covers one woman per household and offers not just seed funding but also training and access to schemes like Mudra Yojana, Drone Didi, Beema Sakhi, and Bank Didi. “This is governance that works to fulfil your dreams. Women are flying fighter jets, joining the police, and owning homes today,” he added.
He also underscored the impact of GST reforms in lowering household expenses and improving affordability of essential items.
More Than a Welfare Scheme
Himanshu Sharma, CEO of Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (Jeevika), said that over 12 million women have already applied under the scheme. Beneficiaries will be assessed for further financial support of up to ₹2 lakh after setting up their ventures.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by urging women to continue taking advantage of schemes tailored to improve their health, financial stability, and entrepreneurial aspirations. “This is not just a handout—it’s an investment in your potential,” he said.