In a significant move towards empowering women in Bihar, the state government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has transferred ₹10,000 to the bank accounts of nearly 25 lakh women under the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme. This initiative aims to boost women’s participation in economic activities, helping them achieve financial independence.
The second installment of funds will be disbursed today, marking a vital step in the ongoing effort to support self-employment among women. The transfer of these funds will take place at a special event scheduled for 10:30 AM at the “Sankalp” building located on A.N. Marg in Patna. In attendance at the event will be Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, along with various other officials.
Details of the Second Phase of the Scheme
The event today will be the second phase of the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme. Previously, on September 26, 2025, the first installment of ₹7,500 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of 7.5 million women across the state through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. This phase, however, extends the benefit to an additional 25 lakh women, with a total amount of ₹2,500 crore being released by the state government today. This is part of the larger effort to ensure women are given the financial tools they need to initiate or support self-employment ventures.
The scheme aims to provide women with the necessary financial resources to start small businesses or engage in self-employment. With direct cash transfers, the government is providing an easy and transparent method for women to access funds, cutting down on bureaucratic delays or middlemen interference.
The Objective: Empowering Women Through Financial Support
At the core of the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme is the goal of financial empowerment for women in Bihar. By giving women access to direct financial assistance, the government hopes to help them become self-reliant and contribute to the economy through entrepreneurship and small-scale businesses. Women involved in the scheme are expected to start new ventures or expand existing ones, which will in turn generate income for their families and communities.
To qualify for the scheme, women must be members of the Jeevika Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or similar village-level organizations. The government believes that this will help ensure that women engage in productive economic activities. These groups offer a platform for women to collaborate, support each other, and gain access to financial resources and training. Through this structure, the government intends to create a network of empowered women who can take charge of their financial futures.
The Political Context and Election Timing
The Bihar government’s initiative comes ahead of the crucial 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. In late August, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had announced that every household in the state would receive ₹10,000 to help women start businesses and become self-employed. This announcement was seen as a move to directly address the economic challenges faced by women, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The launch of the scheme was strategically timed to gain momentum ahead of the elections, offering voters a direct benefit.
Following the announcement, the first installment of funds was transferred to 7.5 million women in September. The state government plans to transfer additional installments in October, with two more payments scheduled for October 6 and October 17, 2025. The phased approach to the disbursement of funds ensures a continued flow of support for women, enabling them to start their businesses and strengthen their economic position.
Application Process for Women Beneficiaries
To take part in the scheme, women must register with their local Jeevika Self-Help Groups or other similar organizations in their districts. For women who are not yet part of these groups, they can apply directly for the scheme and be included in the disbursement process. The government has encouraged women from both rural and urban areas to apply for the scheme, with many new applicants coming from cities. In fact, reports suggest that nearly 10 lakh new applications were received in the last few weeks alone.
This wide participation reflects the growing desire among women in Bihar to take control of their financial futures and seek opportunities beyond traditional household roles. The government has ensured that the application process remains accessible, even for women in urban areas who may not be involved in rural self-help groups.
Scheme’s Potential to Boost Rural and Urban Women’s Economic Contribution
One of the key elements of the scheme is its inclusivity. It targets women across both rural and urban areas, with the goal of creating a balanced representation in terms of beneficiaries. Rural women, often involved in agriculture or small-scale cottage industries, stand to benefit significantly from this scheme. At the same time, urban women have also shown significant interest in the initiative, signaling a growing desire among them to engage in small businesses or other entrepreneurial activities.
By providing financial support to women in both contexts, the Bihar government is creating a more level playing field for women across the state. Urban women, who may have better access to education and resources, can now compete on more equal terms with their rural counterparts. This could lead to the rise of women-led small businesses in both settings, contributing to job creation and local economic growth.
Impact on Bihar’s Women’s Empowerment and Socio-Economic Development
The broader social implications of the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme are also significant. Women’s economic participation is a key driver of socio-economic development. By offering financial support, the state is helping break traditional gender roles that often limit women to domestic duties. This is not only changing women’s roles within the family but also within the larger economic system.
Women who previously may have had little access to capital or business opportunities can now become key players in their communities. By empowering women to become financially independent, the scheme contributes to a broader goal of reducing poverty, enhancing family well-being, and creating more balanced communities.
Furthermore, as women gain financial independence and confidence, they can invest in their children’s education, healthcare, and other essential needs. This creates a cycle of development that can positively impact future generations, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
The second phase of the Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme marks a vital milestone in Bihar’s efforts to empower women economically. By providing direct financial support, the state government is not only enabling women to start businesses but also fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and self-reliance. With continued investments in women’s economic empowerment, Bihar can expect to see a significant rise in women-led businesses, contributing to the state’s long-term economic growth.
As more women benefit from the scheme, the impact on both rural and urban economies will become increasingly evident. Women, once relegated to household duties, are now able to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy, creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for Bihar.
