Bihar News : PM Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Bihar State Jeevika Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation Limited through video conferencing by pressing a remote button.
Bihar News : On this occasion, he also transferred ₹105 crore into the Jeevika Fund. In his address, the Prime Minister appreciated Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his government for their efforts towards women’s empowerment, and assured that the central government is extending all possible support for the development of Bihar, which remains a top priority.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joined the programme virtually from Sankalp, 1 Anne Marg, Patna. He expressed happiness over the launch of the Jeevika Fund by the Prime Minister and welcomed him warmly. He said this initiative would make it easier for members of women’s self-help groups (SHGs), known as Jeevika Didis, to access loans. The state government has already approved ₹1,000 crore for this purpose, of which ₹105 crore was transferred today, while the Centre will contribute ₹110 crore.
Nitish Kumar recalled that since his government was formed on 24 November 2005, women’s empowerment has been a core focus. Beginning with 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions (2006) and urban local bodies (2007), the state later extended 35% reservation for women in the police force (2013) and government jobs (2016). From a handful of SHGs in 2006—formed with World Bank assistance under the Jeevika programme—the numbers have now grown to 11 lakh SHGs, connecting nearly 1.4 crore women. Since 2024, SHGs have also been formed in urban areas, now numbering 37,000 groups with about 3.85 lakh members.
The CM also announced the recently approved Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, under which one woman from every household will receive ₹10,000 to start an income-generating activity, with an additional grant of up to ₹2 lakh for successful ventures. This scheme will begin in September.
He further mentioned other welfare measures recently taken by the state government:
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Pensions for the elderly, disabled, and widows raised from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month.
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Free electricity for all households, after already ensuring universal access by 2018.
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Employment initiatives: 10 lakh jobs and 39 lakh livelihoods have already been provided; over 50 lakh jobs/livelihoods will be delivered before elections. The goal is to provide 1 crore jobs/livelihoods in the next five years.
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Special support for new industries in Bihar.
Nitish Kumar highlighted that the central government is providing special financial assistance for roads, industries, health, tourism, and flood control as announced in the July 2024 budget. The February 2025 budget also included support for a Makhana Board, new airports, and the Western Kosi Canal project. He noted with pride that Bihar has been entrusted with hosting the Khelo India Youth Games this year.
Thanking the Prime Minister for his frequent visits to Bihar to inaugurate and lay the foundation of development projects, Nitish Kumar said this new initiative would further boost the economic activities of Jeevika Didis. Women’s economic empowerment, he added, will strengthen their role in family, society, and the overall development of the state.
A short film on the Bihar State Jeevika Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation was also presented during the event.
Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, senior officials including the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary to the CM, and top functionaries of Jeevika attended the programme virtually along with public representatives, district officials, SHG members, and dignitaries from across Bihar.