In a big boost for women’s empowerment in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government is working hard to create more opportunities for women in the state. He shared this news as he prepared to launch a new initiative called Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited through video conferencing.
PM Modi took to social media to say, “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that mothers, sisters, and daughters of Bihar don’t miss out on opportunities. Today, around 12:30 p.m., I will inaugurate a major program to support rural women entrepreneurs.”
During the launch, the Prime Minister will also transfer Rs 105 crore directly into the new cooperative’s bank account. This funding will give the institution a strong start and help it serve women better.
This new cooperative is designed to provide affordable loans and financial services to women involved in Jeevika, Bihar’s leading rural livelihoods scheme. All the registered Cluster-Level Federations under Jeevika will become members of this cooperative. The initiative is a joint effort by both the Bihar state government and the central government.
Over the years, thousands of women linked to Jeevika’s self-help groups have started small businesses and production units across Bihar. But many of these women depended on microfinance institutions that charged high-interest rates of 18 to 24 percent. That made business growth difficult for many.
The Jeevika Nidhi aims to change that by offering bigger loans with much lower interest rates. This will reduce dependence on expensive loans and help women strengthen their businesses.
The platform will work digitally, making transactions quick and transparent. To support this, about 12,000 community workers, called cadres, will be equipped with tablets. They will help women, known as “Didis,” access and manage their financial services easily.
This initiative is set to greatly improve financial inclusion for rural women, encouraging entrepreneurship and empowering them to become self-reliant. Around 20 lakh women across Bihar are expected to watch the live launch, showing how important this step is for grassroots development.
The Jeevika Nidhi Federation is being seen as a historic move towards building a stronger, more inclusive rural economy in Bihar. It emphasizes women’s empowerment, community cooperation, and self-reliance—key ingredients for a brighter future for Bihar’s women and their families.
