Bihar Government Empowers 25 Lakh Women to Start Businesses

By: WE Staff | Monday, 6 October 2025

• Bihar CM Nitish Kumar released Rs 10,000 each to 25 lakh women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana
• Launched in August 2025, the scheme provides financial support for one woman per family to start a business
• The latest disbursal follows PM Modi’s virtual launch on September 26, 2025, covering 75 lakh women

In a significant move to boost women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday disbursed Rs 10,000 each to 25 lakh women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. The total amounted to Rs 2,500 crore, bringing the cumulative number of beneficiaries since the scheme’s launch to one crore.

The initiative, launched in August 2025, aims to provide financial support for one woman per family to start a business of her choice. The initial grant of Rs 10,000 is provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with successful entrepreneurs eligible for additional funding of up to Rs 2 lakh.

The scheme particularly targets women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), including those linked to the Jeevika programme, which comprises 1.40 crore rural and 3.85 lakh urban members. Eligibility also extends to women in panchayati raj institutions, government jobs, and households not paying income tax.

Speaking at the event via video conference, CM Nitish Kumar highlighted that the government’s focus on women’s empowerment is central to Bihar’s development agenda. He emphasized that the scheme reflects the NDA’s long-standing commitment to gender equity, referencing reforms such as 50% reservation for women in panchayats and 35% in government jobs.

The latest disbursal comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the scheme on September 26, 2025, releasing funds to 75 lakh women across the state. The third phase of disbursement is expected to continue weekly until all eligible women are covered.