The Government of Bihar has recently launched the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana to strengthen women’s economic empowerment and promote self-reliance across the state. As part of this initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred the first instalment of ₹7,500 crore to 75 lakh women beneficiaries, marking a historic moment in Bihar’s journey toward inclusive growth and women-led development.
Scheme Overview
The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana provides ₹10,000 as direct financial support to eligible women, enabling them to start small businesses in both rural and urban areas. Unlike loans, this amount is a non-repayable grant, ensuring that women can focus on entrepreneurship without the burden of repayment.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- Women aged 18 to 60 years from economically weaker sections
- Priority to women without a steady income or permanent employment
- Unmarried adult women who have lost their parents
- Members of Jeevika Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women from nuclear families
The scheme’s design ensures that the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged women are prioritized for support.
Application and Implementation
The scheme has received an overwhelming response, with over 1.11 crore applications submitted so far. To streamline implementation, the Rural Development Department is handling applications from rural regions, while the Urban Development Department oversees those from urban areas.
District Magistrates have been directed to organize special events at district, block, cluster, and village levels. These events encourage the participation of women and SHGs, creating a sense of collective ownership and accountability. The scheme was formally approved by the Bihar State Cabinet on August 29, showcasing the state’s commitment to women’s empowerment.
Financial Support and Follow-up
Each eligible woman will receive an initial grant of ₹10,000 to kickstart her chosen business venture, ranging from small-scale trade to services and other entrepreneurial activities.
To ensure sustainability, the scheme includes a six-month performance review. Women who demonstrate progress and effective utilization of the funds may receive an additional grant of up to ₹2 lakh. This follow-up support is designed to encourage long-term growth and foster a new generation of women entrepreneurs in Bihar.
Economic and Social Impact
The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana is expected to transform Bihar’s socio-economic landscape in multiple ways:
- Boosting employment opportunities for rural and urban women
- Reducing poverty and enhancing household incomes
- Strengthening family and community welfare through financial stability
- Promoting self-reliance and women-led entrepreneurship
- Contributing to Bihar’s broader goal of inclusive economic development
By focusing on women’s financial empowerment, the scheme not only addresses unemployment but also drives social change by giving women a stronger voice in family and community decision-making.
The Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana is a bold step by the Government of Bihar to empower women, generate employment, and strengthen the state’s economy. With the first instalment already benefiting 75 lakh women, the scheme holds immense potential to create sustainable livelihoods and uplift communities. By combining financial assistance with follow-up support, the initiative lays the foundation for long-term women-led development in Bihar.
