PM Modi launches ₹7,500 crore women’s scheme in Bihar, attacks RJD

PATNA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, a flagship initiative of the Bihar government under which 7.5 million women have received ₹10,000 each directly in their bank accounts. Speaking online from Delhi, Modi used the occasion to launch a strong political attack on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), alleging that women had suffered the most under its rule and urging them to ensure the party and its allies never return to power.

Direct benefit transfer to women

The scheme, with an outlay of ₹7,500 crore, aims to help women start their own ventures. Beneficiaries will also be eligible for further financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh after their ventures are assessed. According to officials, around 12 million women have applied for the scheme so far.

Modi highlighted that such direct transfers were possible due to the Jan-Dhan Yojana introduced in 2014. He emphasised that the entire ₹10,000 reaches women without middlemen, unlike in the past. “This seed money will give mothers and sisters wings. It will also strengthen the Centre’s Lakhpati Didi initiative by making Bihar the state with the maximum lakhpati didis,” he said.

Women as a key electoral force

Women form around 48% of Bihar’s population and are considered a decisive voting bloc. Modi reminded them of the state’s “dark past” under RJD, marked by broken roads, Maoist violence and poor law and order. “Even doctors and engineers were not spared in that regime,” he said, urging women to prevent its return.

The prime minister positioned himself and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as “two brothers” working to empower women, promising training support and additional financial aid after the initial transfer. “Our government’s only goal is to fulfil your dreams and make your life happy,” he said, citing examples of women in fighter jets, the armed forces, and police.

Broader welfare push before polls

The NDA government has announced several schemes in recent months, including:

• A three-fold increase in old-age pension

Officials say these initiatives form part of a broader welfare push ahead of state elections expected to be announced next month.

Opposition responds with counter-promises

Opposition leaders criticised the timing of the scheme. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi alleged it was an election gimmick. “Giving one-time ₹10,000 means nothing. Women now understand why such schemes were not launched in the last 20 years. Will they give it every month?” she asked.

RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav unveiled his party’s alternative vision, promising ₹2,500 per month under the Mai-Behen Maan Yojana, along with a monthly pension of ₹1,500 and new welfare measures under MAA and BETI schemes. Congress has also pledged ₹2,500 per month to women if voted to power.

Nitish Kumar defends record

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, present at the launch, defended his government’s record. “The RJD worked only for the family. For us, the entire state is a family, and women’s empowerment has been our focus from the outset,” he said. He credited Modi’s leadership with helping Bihar move from darkness towards “brightness”.

Women-centric governance in focus

During his 35-minute address, Modi described the 1.1 million Jeevika Self-Help Groups in Bihar as a solid foundation for the scheme. He stressed that women-led development benefits entire families and societies, citing initiatives like Ujjwala Yojana and Ayushman Bharat. He also highlighted GST reforms, claiming they reduced essential commodity prices.

Concluding his speech, Modi said: “The government is with you. From ration during Covid to PM housing in women’s names, our policies put women at the centre. Bihar’s future will be shaped by women’s strength.”