In a landmark transfer poised to rework the financial panorama for girls in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is about to deposit Rs 10,000 into the accounts of 75 lakh girls below the newly launched Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana.
This initiative, geared toward encouraging rural girls to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, will formally be launched on September 26, 2025, within the state. The scheme’s first part will see the disbursement of Rs 7,500 crore, meant as seed capital to allow girls to start out or develop small companies.
In a strategic transfer to make sure long-term impression, girls who efficiently utilise the preliminary funds might qualify for added grants of as much as Rs 2 lakh after a 6-month efficiency evaluation.
Empowerment via direct assist
The scheme particularly targets girls who’re a part of the Jeevika Self-Assist Teams (SHGs)—a community that has been instrumental in community-based improvement throughout Bihar. By leveraging these grassroots establishments, the federal government goals to make sure that the funds attain these most in want and are utilised successfully.
Girls between the ages of 18 and 60, belonging to non-income-tax-paying households, will likely be eligible. Particular provisions are additionally made for single grownup girls who lack parental assist, increasing the attain of this system to a few of the most susceptible segments.
What does the scheme supply?
Listed below are a few of the key options and advantages of the scheme.
Rs 10,000 preliminary grant for eligible girls to start out or develop small businessesUp to Rs 2 lakh in extra funding primarily based on enterprise efficiency after 6 monthsNo reimbursement obligation, as it is a grant, not a loanSupportive infrastructure, together with the event of village and city haat bazaars, to allow direct salesImplementation via the SHG ecosystem for higher monitoring and accountability
Laying the groundwork for rural entrepreneurship
This initiative displays a strategic shift towards women-led rural improvement. By offering capital, enabling market entry, and aligning with present group networks, the scheme is designed to nurture grassroots entrepreneurs.
Nevertheless, for the Mahila Rozgar Yojana to ship on its promise, a number of challenges want cautious administration:
Clear choice processes to keep away from political favouritism or exclusionRegular audits and reporting to trace fund utilisation and outcomesCapacity constructing, together with enterprise coaching and mentorship, to make sure that beneficiaries can maintain and develop their ventures
A mannequin for inclusive financial progress?
The Mahila Rozgar Yojana might function a blueprint for different states searching for to drive inclusive progress via gender-focused interventions. Its scale, intent, and construction underscore a rising recognition of the important position girls play in India’s rural financial system.
If executed with integrity and imaginative and prescient, the initiative has the potential not solely to spice up Bihar’s microenterprise ecosystem but in addition to reshape the narrative of girls’s financial participation throughout India.
