Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today transferred an amount of 10 thousand rupees each into the bank accounts of 25 lakh women beneficiaries under the recently launched Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana. A total of two thousand 500 crore rupees was transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Mr. Kumar also interacted with beneficiaries of the scheme through video conferencing from different parts of the state. He said the objective of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to women who are interested in self-employment and in running small businesses. The Chief Minister informed that one crore beneficiaries have already received 10 thousand rupees each to start small businesses. Those who successfully run their enterprises will be eligible to receive additional assistance of up to two lakh rupees.

He further said that Bihar’s largest Self-Help Group initiative, Jeevika, has now crossed one crore 40 lakh members in rural areas, and similar success has been achieved in urban areas with the addition of 3 lakh 85 thousand Jeevika Didis, SHG members. Mr. Kumar assured that if voted to power, the NDA government will further strengthen and expand the scheme, reiterating the government’s determination to ensure prosperity of women power.

Launched ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the scheme aims to make women economically self-reliant, empower them financially, and check migration to other regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the scheme virtually on the 26th of last month. On that occasion, 10 thouasnd rupees each was transferred into the bank accounts of 75 lakh women beneficiaries.

The scheme will be implemented through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). More than one crore 10 lakh beneficiaries have applied for the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana.