Bihar Launches ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana’

Introduction

The Government of Bihar has rolled out an ambitious scheme—Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY)—with the aim of promoting women’s self-employment and entrepreneurship. This scheme reflects Bihar’s commitment to economic empowerment of women, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where unemployment and lack of opportunities remain pressing challenges.

Key Features of the Scheme

• Initial Support: Women beneficiaries will receive a grant of ₹10,000 to kickstart self-employment or small business activities.

• Additional Aid: After six months, women who successfully run their ventures will be eligible for further financial assistance up to ₹2 lakh.

• One Woman per Family: The scheme ensures equitable distribution by allowing one eligible woman per household to avail the benefits.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): All funds will be directly transferred into beneficiaries’ bank accounts to ensure transparency and efficiency.

• Focus on Inclusivity: Priority will be given to women from economically weaker sections (EWS), self-help groups (SHGs), and marginalized communities.

Objectives of Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana

1. Encourage Women Entrepreneurship – Facilitate women to start small-scale enterprises like tailoring, handicrafts, food processing, or local services.

2. Reduce Unemployment – Provide opportunities in both urban and rural Bihar, where joblessness among women is significantly high.

3. Promote Financial Independence – Empower women to contribute to household income and decision-making.

4. Boost Local Economy – Encourage grassroots-level entrepreneurship that strengthens Bihar’s MSME and SHG ecosystem.

Why the Scheme is Significant for Bihar

• Low Female Labour Participation: According to PLFS 2024, female labour force participation in Bihar stands at just 10.7%, one of the lowest in India.

• Migration Challenge: Male-dominated migration patterns often leave women as key economic actors in villages. This scheme gives them sustainable income opportunities.

• SHG Strength: Bihar has one of the strongest self-help group networks under JEEViKA, which can serve as an effective implementation channel.

• Poverty Alleviation: Bihar has a 33.8% multidimensional poverty rate (NITI Aayog 2023). Women-focused schemes directly contribute to poverty reduction.

Wider Context

• Similar to Haryana’s Lado Lakshmi Yojana and Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Laxmi Yojana, Bihar’s program focuses on empowering women but through entrepreneurship rather than direct cash transfer.

• Aligns with National Livelihood Mission and Skill India initiatives to build a self-reliant rural economy.

• Supports India’s progress towards SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth).

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, Government interventions.

• GS Paper III: Inclusive growth, employment generation, women entrepreneurship.

• Essay Paper: Women empowerment and economic self-reliance.

Conclusion

The Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana is a forward-looking initiative that combines financial assistance, entrepreneurship, and skill development to empower women in Bihar. If executed effectively, it has the potential to transform the socio-economic fabric of rural Bihar, reduce migration pressures, and pave the way for sustainable and inclusive development.