The Bihar cabinet on Thursday approved the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana which aims to provide financial support to “one woman from every household” across Bihar to start an income-generating activity of her choice.
The employment scheme, sanctioned by the Rural Development Department, will provide women an initial instalment of Rs 10,000 to start the venture and looks to boost self-employment and strengthen household incomes.
“Following a six-month evaluation of the women’s respective ventures, additional aid of up to Rs 2 lakh may be extended based on requirements and performance,” Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said in a social media post announcing the decision.
“Since forming the government in November 2005, we have undertaken large-scale work for women’s empowerment. Several important steps have been taken to make women strong and self-reliant. Now, women are not only contributing to Bihar’s progress through their hard work but are also strengthening their families’ economic condition,” he wrote.
The CM said that applications from interested women would be invited soon, with fund transfers to bank accounts scheduled to begin in September.
He said the Rural Development Department would determine the application process and arrangements, while the Urban Development and Housing Department would provide details about the collaboration.
Dedicated haat bazaars (local markets) will be established across both rural and urban areas to sell products made by such women entrepreneurs, he said.
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“I believe that with the implementation of this scheme, not only will women’s position become even stronger, but better employment opportunities will be available within the state, and people will not have to go outside the state for employment out of compulsion,” the chief minister said.
