Raman Shukla, Patna. Women who were once confined behind veils and household walls have become self-reliant through the Rajgir government’s women-centric schemes, gradually becoming dependent on politics as well.
The picture of significant changes in Bihar is evident from the statistics of the Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, which show that before 2014, there were about 1.7 million Jeevika Didis (women associated with livelihood projects) in the state, while in the past ten years, the number of Didis associated with self-help groups has increased to over 130 million.
The impact of these women becoming empowered under the Modi government can be understood from the fact that since 2015, the participation of women in voting has been increasing compared to men.
The confidence in democracy and the awareness among women can be attributed to the initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The participation of women in voting in the last three elections confirms this.
In the 2015 assembly elections, a total of 56.6% voters cast their votes. Women’s participation was 60.48%, while 53.32% men voted.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 57.3% voters cast their votes. Women accounted for 59.58% of this, while men voted at 54.9%. Similarly, in 2020, 57.3% voters cast their votes, with women accounting for 59.7%, and men at 54.7%.
Modi’s Campaign to Make Lakhpatis out of Women
The Modi government is engaged in a campaign to make Lakhpatis (millionaires) out of women associated with self-help groups by enhancing their livelihoods. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi aiming to make three crore women Lakhpatis across the country, it’s natural that the number of women in Bihar is also significant. This could also have an impact on women’s voting this time.
Development Programs Attracting Women
Since 2005, under Nitish Kumar’s leadership, the Rajgir government initiated developmental policies and programs, leading to an increase in women voters. The Jeevika program, cycle and garment schemes under the Bihar Livelihood Project, and 50% reservation for women in Panchayat and municipal elections have been crucial parts of the Rajgir government’s strategy.
This initiative resulted in a significant increase in girls’ nominations. Moreover, there has been a decrease in gender ratio in secondary schools. In 2014, there were 877 females per thousand males. This increased to 892 in 2019 and 909 in 2024. Now, their participation not only made them capable of making decisions outside the household but also made them socially and economically empowered.
Initiative of Loans from World Bank
To empower rural women in Bihar, the Rajgir government led by Nitish Kumar took a loan from the World Bank in 2006-07. This led to the formation of self-help groups for women, opening bank accounts for them, and providing financial assistance from the government for employment opportunities.
The importance of Jeevika in Bihar can be seen from the fact that Prime Minister and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar praise the work of Jeevika Didis on every platform.
Loan of 40 Thousand Crores
Big companies are branding products of farmers’ producer groups under Jeevika in Bihar. From creating self-employment in villages to establishing companies, work is being done. Half the population is playing an active role in areas from dairy farming, fisheries to service sectors, including agriculture.
Under Jeevika in Bihar, about 10.50 lakh self-help groups of women have been given a loan of around 40 thousand crores by banks.
