Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana Launched in Bihar with ₹7,500 Cr DBT to 75 L Women
SDG 5: Gender Equality | SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
Institutions: Government of Bihar
The Government of Bihar, via a programme launched by Prime Minister has rolled out the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, under which ₹10,000 was transferred immediately to 75 lakh women across the state (totaling ₹7,500 crore) as a first installment. The scheme aims to support self-employment and livelihoods for women from each family, with additional funding up to ₹2 lakh available in later phases depending on the success of their chosen enterprise.
Women can use the funds for ventures like agriculture, livestock, handicrafts, tailoring, weaving, and retail. The scheme is integrated with Jeevika self-help groups (11 lakh groups already functioning) for community-based training and support. The government plans to bolster Gramin Haat-Bazaars for market access to women’s products. The Prime Minister later interacted with beneficiaries who shared plans to use the ₹10,000 for pump sets, poultry, tailoring shops, etc.
This scheme is a women-centric livelihood intervention, directly deploying resources through DBT infrastructure built over years (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, mobile linkage). It dovetails with State and Central efforts to enhance women’s economic participation and empowerment. The phasing up to ₹2 lakh introduces a risk-reward model of subsidy, pushing for accountability and viability. Its success or failure will test the scalability of large-scale women’s entrepreneurship programmes in states with constrained institutional capacity.
What is DBT infrastructure? → The system (bank accounts, Aadhaar, mobile connectivity) enabling direct benefit transfers to beneficiaries, reducing leakages and ensuring timely support. It matters because it underpins many modern welfare schemes, including this one.
What are self-help groups (SHGs)? → Community groups, predominantly of women, that facilitate savings, credit, mutual support, and skill development. They act as local anchors for delivering schemes, training, and collective entrepreneurship.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
What risks arise if Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana drives short-term consumption but fails to overcome structural barriers to women’s sustained economic participation?
Follow the full news here: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2171606