'Women empowerment is India's development': PM Modi launches Jeevika Nidhi financial scheme for Bihar; calls it 'very auspicious work'

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday virtually inaugurated the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited for rural women entrepreneurs in the poll-bound state.As part of the launch, the prime minister also transferred Rs 105 crore into the institution’s bank account. Ahead of the event, PM Modi wrote on X: “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the mothers, sisters, and daughters of our Bihar do not lack any opportunities. In this regard, I will inaugurate a major initiative for rural women entrepreneurs through video conferencing.”

About the initiative

According to a press release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the primary objective of establishing the "Jeevika Nidhi" is to provide easy access to funds to women associated with the "Jeevika" self-help groups.All registered cluster-level federations under "Jeevika" will become members of the cooperative society. The central and Bihar governments will jointly contribute funds for its operation. The entire system will function online, enabling faster and more transparent transfers directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts. To support the rollout, 12,000 community cadres will be equipped with tablets.