Bihar is making a bold move for women’s economic empowerment. The state cabinet has just approved the “Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana,” a groundbreaking scheme designed to foster entrepreneurship among women across the state. This initiative aims to provide a significant boost to local economies and create better employment opportunities within Bihar.
The core of this ambitious scheme is to offer economic assistance to one woman from each family, enabling her to kickstart a business of her choice. Imagine the ripple effect this could have! Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena provided details, stating that the cabinet gave its nod to this scheme for the economic empowerment of women.
Under this program, an initial installment of Rs 10,000 will be provided. This isn’t a loan; it’s a grant, a helping hand to get new ventures off the ground. The idea is to promote and help those women who want to become entrepreneurs on their own, removing financial barriers to their dreams.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar himself announced the cabinet’s decision via a post on “X,” expressing confidence that the scheme will not only strengthen women’s standing but also curb the compulsion for people to leave the state in search of work. This is about building a robust local economy, brick by brick, or rather, business by business.
The Rural Development Department will be rolling out this program statewide. The application process for aspiring women entrepreneurs is set to begin soon, with the first installment directly transferred into bank accounts starting from September 2025. It’s an exciting timeline for many.
But the support doesn’t stop there. This is where the scheme truly shines. After a six month performance evaluation of a woman’s entrepreneurial venture, an additional Rs 2 lakh grant will be provided. This further funding is a testament to the state’s commitment to long term success and growth of these businesses. Chief Secretary Meena, accompanied by Development Commissioner Pratyaya Amrit and Rural Development Department’s Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh, emphasized this during a press conference.
To ensure these women entrepreneurs have a platform to sell their goods, “Haat bazar” will be developed in both villages and towns. This will create direct market access, further boosting sales and supporting the local economy. The detailed guidelines regarding eligibility will be issued by the Rural Development Department, covering all aspects of the scheme.
When asked about the initial Rs 10,000, Meena clarified that it does not need to be returned. This is crucial for new entrepreneurs, as it reduces financial pressure and encourages them to take the leap. The Urban Development Department will also play a role in implementing the scheme in urban areas, ensuring its reach across the entire state.
This isn’t Bihar’s first foray into women’s empowerment. Over the past two decades, the state government has implemented numerous schemes. In 2006 and 2007, it introduced 50 percent reservation for women in rural and urban local bodies, respectively, leading to 57 percent women representatives. The implementation of “Prohibition” in 2016, a move largely driven by women’s demands, has also significantly improved their lives.
On the educational front, schemes providing school uniforms, bicycles to girl students, and scholarships at various academic levels have been instrumental. The government also opened a +2 high school in all gram panchayats and has provisioned a college in every block in the 2025-26 budget, making education more accessible for all, especially women.
Bihar has also focused on economic assistance through enhanced monthly pensions, increasing them from Rs 400 to Rs 1100, benefiting 1.12 crore women. For social empowerment, the Jeevika scheme, launched in 2006 with World Bank assistance, has led to the formation of 11 lakh Self Help Groups (SHGs) with 1.40 crore women members, including the implementation of the National Urban Livelihood Mission. The new **entrepreneurship** initiative is a continuation of this strong legacy.
The focus keyword, **entrepreneurship**, is central to this new scheme. It’s about empowering women to take charge of their economic destinies and contribute to a stronger Bihar. The state is clearly committed to fostering **entrepreneurship** as a key driver of growth and development.
With the “Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana,” Bihar is not just offering financial aid; it’s offering a chance for independence, innovation, and a brighter future. This **entrepreneurship** drive will undoubtedly usher in a new era for women in the state. The emphasis on fostering **entrepreneurship** is clear and consistent. This focus on **entrepreneurship** promises significant positive changes.