Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has appealed to women voters to keep him in mind while casting their votes in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, citing his government’s continued efforts for women’s upliftment since 2005 and promising to do much more if re-elected.
“I am speaking to every woman. We have done a lot for you. ‘Chunav aa raha hai… aap log bhi dhyan dijiyega’ (Elections are approaching… please keep us in mind),” he said, while addressing a group of beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana via video conferencing on Friday.
Launched as a step toward women’s self-reliance, the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana (Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme) has been projected as a major initiative of the NDA government. However, the Opposition has criticised the move as another populist measure by Nitish Kumar to woo women voters ahead of the elections.
On 26 September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred Rs 7,500 crore via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to 75 lakh women beneficiaries, each receiving Rs10,000 under the scheme. On Friday, Nitish Kumar followed up by transferring an additional Rs 2,500 crore to another 25 lakh women beneficiaries, again at Rs 10,000 each.
In total, Rs 10,000 crore has been transferred to one crore women beneficiaries. The remaining eligible applicants are scheduled to receive their payments on 6 October.
“I believe the implementation of this scheme will further empower women and help them become self-reliant. Focused on self-employment and economic independence, the scheme will also contribute to the overall development of both the state and the country,” Kumar said.
He also highlighted that various development projects in Bihar are progressing rapidly with the support of the central government. Kumar urged women to remain aware of the benefits provided under government schemes.
Targeting former Bihar chief ministers Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi, Kumar reminded the women that during the RJD regime, many government benefits failed to reach the people. In contrast, he said, the current administration has ensured that the rule of law prevails and that government schemes are now reaching every household in the state.