The ‘Chief Minister’s Women Employment Scheme,’ introduced in Bihar on September 26, 2025, has seen a significant financial boost. Initially, ₹7,500 crore was distributed to 7.5 million women beneficiaries via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with each receiving ₹10,000. Recently, an additional ₹2,500 crore was disbursed to 2.5 million women using the same method. Cumulatively, ₹10,000 crore has been transferred to the accounts of 1 crore women beneficiaries.
At the event, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar lauded the women. He stated that the current distribution covers 2.5 million women, bringing the total beneficiaries to 1 crore under this scheme. He highlighted that the scheme aims to aid every woman in each family across the state. He also specified the dates for the disbursement of the ₹10,000 aid to the remaining women, with the next installment scheduled for October 6, 2025.
Kumar mentioned further support for those whose employment thrives, potentially extending up to an additional ₹2 lakh. He also reflected on past governance, mentioning the NDA’s establishment on November 24, 2005, and its continued focus on Bihar’s development, emphasizing the rule of law and advancements in education and health. He underscored the importance of women’s empowerment since the beginning.
He also pointed out the significant role of women in governance, particularly in Panchayati Raj institutions in 2006 and urban local bodies in 2007, with 50 percent reservation. Furthermore, he discussed the implementation of 35 percent reservation for women in the police force from 2013 and in government jobs from 2016. He noted the initial scarcity of self-help groups in Bihar.
He recalled the formation of self-help groups in 2006 with World Bank assistance, branded as ‘Jeevika.’ Currently, there are around 11 lakh self-help groups, including 1 crore 40 lakh Jeevika didis. Moreover, urban areas have also seen the establishment of these groups since 2024, totaling 37,000 with around 3 lakh 85 thousand Jeevika didis, and this process is ongoing.