Over 1 Crore Women to Get ₹10,000 Each: Bihar Launches Massive Welfare Scheme Ahead of Polls
Under the “Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana”, the Bihar government plans to transfer ₹10,000 to more than one crore women to boost women’s economic empowerment.
Highlights
-
Bihar launches ₹7,500 crore DBT scheme for women — ₹10,000 each in first installment
-
PM Modi virtually launches scheme; 75 lakh women already received funds
-
Scheme includes later support up to ₹2 lakh for business ventures
-
One woman per family eligible; focus on self-employment and livelihood
In a bold pre-election move, the Bihar government, in collaboration with the Union government, has rolled out the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana, under which over 1 crore women are set to receive ₹10,000 each as first installment in their bank accounts. So far, 75 lakh women have already been included, with funds credited via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the scheme virtually, highlighting that the amount is intended to support women in starting small-scale ventures such as agriculture, handicrafts, tailoring, and livestock. He cautioned that without a robust banking and Aadhaar-linked system, such direct transfers would not have been possible.
The scheme is backed by a staggering ₹7,500 crore budget. Each family is eligible to nominate one woman to receive the benefit. Furthermore, after six months, beneficiaries may be eligible for additional funding up to ₹2 lakh, based on progress and performance. The plan also integrates training and support through self-help groups, enabling sales of products via local markets and haat-bazaars.
However, critics have raised concerns that the timing — just before the Bihar Assembly polls — may have political motives. Some argue that large-scale cash transfers before elections may sway voter behavior. Supporters, meanwhile, say it addresses a genuine need for women’s financial inclusion in a state with pervasive economic challenges.
