Bihar’s CM Women Employment Scheme Transforms Lives: ₹18,100 Crore Transferred to 1.81 Crore Women Beneficiaries

Patna, February 2026: In one of the largest direct benefit transfer initiatives aimed at women’s economic empowerment, Bihar has crossed a historic milestone under the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme. So far, a total amount of ₹18,100 crore has been transferred directly into the bank accounts of 1 crore 81 lakh women beneficiaries across the state, significantly strengthening household incomes and accelerating inclusive development.

On Sunday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar electronically transferred ₹2,500 crore to the accounts of 25 lakh women beneficiaries at the rate of ₹10,000 per beneficiary. The transfer was carried out at the Sankalp Sabhagar, located at the state secretariat complex on Anne Marg in Patna, through the press of a remote button.

With this latest installment, the total number of beneficiaries covered under the scheme has risen to 1 crore 81 lakh women. Prior to this transfer, ₹15,600 crore had already been deposited into the bank accounts of 1 crore 56 lakh women beneficiaries. The cumulative figure of ₹18,100 crore reflects the state government’s sustained commitment to women-led development and self-reliance.

Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister extended heartfelt greetings to women beneficiaries who joined the event in large numbers through video conferencing from different districts. He said the occasion marked a moment of pride, as 25 lakh women were receiving financial assistance to pursue livelihoods of their choice. “Through this scheme, every beneficiary woman is being supported with ₹10,000 so that she can start or expand her own work,” he said.

The Chief Minister emphasised that, in total, 1 crore 81 lakh women across Bihar would benefit from this initiative. He noted that thousands of women have already begun income-generating activities using the assistance provided under the scheme. Women who successfully establish and sustain their livelihoods will be eligible for further support of up to ₹2 lakh in subsequent phases, he added.

He also announced that families left out so far would soon be covered, ensuring that no eligible household is deprived of benefits. According to him, this comprehensive approach would directly benefit women from all sections of society and strengthen family-level economic security across the state.

Highlighting the government’s long-standing focus on women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister recalled that when efforts began, the number of self-help groups in Bihar was extremely limited. In 2006, with support from the World Bank, the state launched a large-scale self-help group movement under the name “Jeevika.” Since then, women’s collectives have emerged as a strong foundation for economic and social transformation in rural and urban Bihar alike.

Expressing confidence in the scheme’s impact, the Chief Minister said the ₹10,000 assistance would help women initiate productive work and bring stability to their households. “When women gain confidence and economic independence, families prosper, and the state progresses at a faster pace,” he remarked, adding that the government would continue working relentlessly for the welfare of every section of society with the support of the central government.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the state’s long-term development roadmap. For the next five years (2025–2030), the government has adopted the “Seven Resolves–3” framework to further accelerate development. Under the first resolve—“Double Employment, Double Income”—the goal is to double the per capita income of the state. As part of this resolve, one woman from every family is being provided financial assistance of up to ₹10,000 through the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme.

Between September 26 and November 28, 2025, funds were transferred in five phases to the accounts of 1 crore 56 lakh women beneficiaries. Of these, 1 crore 44 lakh beneficiaries belonged to rural areas, while 12 lakh were from urban regions. The transfer of ₹2,500 crore to 25 lakh women on Sunday marked another major step toward universal coverage.

The programme also featured interactions with beneficiaries who shared their experiences. One such beneficiary, Chandni Bharti from Muzaffarpur district, joined via video conferencing. Associated with a Jeevika self-help group, she described how her life had changed after becoming part of the collective. She said that financial hardship once dominated her household, but joining the self-help group brought stability and confidence.

“When ₹10,000 was credited to my account under the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme, it became a strong support for my family,” she said. Combining the scheme assistance with a small loan, she purchased a cow. Milk production not only met household needs but also generated regular income through sales. She added that Jeevika had given her both financial support and self-confidence.

Another beneficiary, Sabina Khatoon from Nalanda district, also shared her journey. She said she once lived confined within the four walls of her home, hesitant to step outside. Joining the self-help group opened a new chapter in her life. With the ₹10,000 received under the scheme, she started her own livelihood activity and plans to expand it further using additional assistance of up to ₹2 lakh. “This initiative has made us self-reliant and confident,” she said.

Several beneficiaries also highlighted improvements in basic amenities and social security. They pointed out that households now have access to tap water, paved streets, drainage facilities, and toilets. The increase in the old-age pension amount from ₹400 to ₹1,100 per month has brought relief and dignity to elderly citizens, reducing their dependence on others.

The women expressed gratitude for the government’s sustained efforts toward empowerment. Many noted that self-help groups, which began as small initiatives, have now grown into powerful institutions providing social recognition and economic opportunities. Increased recruitment of women in the police force and their visible presence in public spaces have further strengthened women’s confidence and sense of security.

As the programme concluded, beneficiaries reiterated that the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme has emerged as a transformative force in their lives. By combining direct financial assistance, self-help group support, and a long-term development vision, Bihar’s model of women-led growth is setting a strong example of inclusive governance and sustainable empowerment.