Key Points
- Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have virtually launched the “Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme.”
- Under the scheme, an initial installment of ₹10,000 has been transferred directly to the bank accounts of 7.5 million women across the state.
- CM Nitish Kumar announced that further assistance of up to ₹2 lakh could be provided to beneficiaries who demonstrate “good employment.”
- The launch event was heavily political, with both leaders highlighting their partnership and contrasting their governance with past administrations.
Patna: In a significant move just before the Bihar Assembly elections, the state government has rolled out the “Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the initiative on Friday, which saw the direct bank transfer of ₹10,000 to 7.5 million women beneficiaries. The event, timed with the auspicious occasion of Navratri, is being seen as a major electoral push by the ruling NDA coalition.
Details of the Employment Scheme
The core of the new scheme is providing direct financial assistance to empower women. During the launch, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar provided details:
- An initial amount of ₹10,000 was transferred as the first installment.
- A second installment is scheduled to be disbursed on October 3, 2025.
- The government has a provision to provide further assistance of up to ₹2 lakh for women who utilize the initial funds to establish successful employment or small enterprises.
“From the very beginning, we have focused on the advancement of women,” CM Nitish Kumar stated, emphasizing his government’s commitment since coming to power in 2005.
Political Messaging Dominates Launch
The launch event was rich with political messaging. PM Modi positioned the partnership between the central and state governments as a dedicated service to the people of Bihar. “A brother finds happiness when his sister is healthy, happy, and her family is financially strong,” PM Modi said. “Today, your two brothers, Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar, are working together tirelessly for your service, prosperity, and self-respect.”
He also took a swipe at previous governments, referencing past corruption. “Previously, the Prime Minister… used to say that only 15 paise of the money sent reaches you… Today, because of Jan Dhan accounts linked to Aadhaar and mobile, the full amount reaches you.”
Nitish Kumar Targets Opposition
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar used the platform to contrast his administration’s performance with that of the previous RJD government, led by the Lalu Prasad Yadav family. “We work for Bihar, not our families,” he declared, targeting the opposition on the issue of nepotism. He praised PM Modi for his full support to Bihar and credited the NDA’s tenure with establishing the “rule of law” and prioritizing women’s empowerment in the state.
