Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary announces jobs for one crore women through self-help groups

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has unveiled an ambitious plan to directly connect one crore women across the state with employment opportunities, marking a significant expansion of the government's livelihood programmes.

Speaking at the 25th foundation day celebrations of the Bihar State Women Commission, Mr. Choudhary announced that the government will leverage existing self-help group networks to create large-scale employment. Under a redesigned school uniform scheme, uniforms prepared by 'Jivika Didis', women from self-help groups, will be provided to students instead of distributing cash, creating new employment avenues in the process.

PhD fellowships and dedicated university

The Chief Minister also announced fellowships for 1,000 women annually to pursue doctoral studies, with a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for four years. "Through the Girls' PhD Fellowship, a target has been set to provide financial aid of ₹10,000 per month to 1,000 female students annually for higher education and research," Mr. Choudhary said.

He added that efforts are underway to establish a university dedicated to women to further expand opportunities for women's higher education.

Growing economic and political participation

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Choudhary said that women in Bihar are moving forward rapidly, and their growing economic, social and political participation reflects the state's changing landscape. He noted that the provision of 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies has significantly strengthened their participation.

The Chief Minister highlighted that 'Jeevika' has played an important role in making women economically strong. He mentioned that incentive schemes are currently operational in Bihar to promote the education of female students at the matriculation, intermediate, and undergraduate levels, and assistance is also being provided to students preparing for competitive examinations.

Safety initiatives

Speaking on women's safety, the Chief Minister pointed out that the introduction of the 'Police Didi' system in the state is a step ahead on this front. He said female police personnel are being deployed near schools, colleges and other educational institutions to ensure the safety of girl students, calling it a pioneering initiative by Bihar.

Vision for the Commission

Mr. Choudhary urged the Commission not to limit itself merely to resolving complaints but also to offer regular suggestions to the government for improving the status of women. "I want the Women's Commission to become a factory for creating political activists. The Commission should play an active role in empowering women socially, economically, and politically," Mr. Choudhary said.

In the presence of the Commission's Chairperson, Apsara Mishra, the Bihar CM said that women's empowerment forms a crucial foundation for Bihar's prosperity and expressed confidence that the Commission would continue to work tirelessly leading up to its golden jubilee, to integrate women into the mainstream of development and safeguard their rights and dignity.

A short film based on the Commission's 25-year journey was screened during the event, and to mark the Silver Jubilee, the Chief Minister released a special postage stamp dedicated to the Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Posts, and unveiled the Commission's souvenir.

Source: The Hindu