Bihar Government Announces Low Interest Loan Scheme for Jeevika Didis

The Bihar government has taken another step to promote women empowerment and employment generation in the state. Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar announced that Jeevika didis who wish to start large-scale employment activities will be provided bank loans of up to ten lakh rupees. The loan will be available at an interest rate of seven percent, making it easier for women to begin or expand their businesses without facing heavy financial pressure.

The minister said the scheme has been introduced to help women move beyond small income activities. The government wants women to think bigger and take up entrepreneurship on a larger scale. The focus remains on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and strengthening the rural economy through women-led enterprises.

First Come First Serve Basis for Loan Benefits

Shravan Kumar made it clear that the benefits of this loan scheme will be given on a first come first serve basis. Women who apply early and meet the required conditions will be given priority. According to the government, this process will ensure transparency and timely distribution of financial assistance.

He said that any Jeevika didi who wants to start a business and is eligible for the scheme will be supported. The government does not intend to limit the scheme to a small group. The aim is to reach as many women as possible and help them achieve financial independence through self-employment.

Encouraging Women to Take Up Large Businesses

The minister emphasized that the government does not want women to remain limited to small livelihood activities. Instead, the focus is on encouraging women to take up large-scale self-employment and entrepreneurship. The idea is to enable women to become job creators in their communities.

He said Bihar is the first state in the country where women were organized in a structured manner for employment generation. The Jeevika program has played a significant role in connecting women to financial systems and skill development opportunities. The government believes that empowering women economically will have a long-term positive impact on the state’s development.

Review of Incentive Amount Under Women Employment Scheme

Along with the loan scheme, the government is also reviewing the implementation of the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme. Under this scheme, selected women were earlier given an incentive amount of ten thousand rupees. This amount was transferred directly to their bank accounts to encourage them to start income-generating activities.

The minister said that the government is now reviewing how many women actually started work using this incentive. Women who have successfully begun their employment activities will be provided further financial assistance. An additional amount of two lakh rupees will be given to help them expand their businesses.

Additional Support for Women Who Started Work

The government plans to support only those women who have shown genuine efforts to start employment. Officials are collecting data to identify beneficiaries who used the initial incentive properly. These women will receive additional financial help to strengthen their businesses.

This additional assistance is expected to help women invest in infrastructure, raw materials, and other business needs. The government believes that supporting serious entrepreneurs will lead to better outcomes and sustainable employment creation.

Pending Payments to Be Cleared Soon

Shravan Kumar also addressed concerns related to delayed payments of the ten thousand rupees incentive. He said that in some cases, the amount could not be transferred due to technical issues or incomplete documentation. The government has instructed officials to resolve such cases on priority.

Women whose accounts have not yet received the incentive amount will be assisted in completing required formalities. Once the documentation issues are resolved, the amount will be transferred without further delay. The government has assured that no eligible woman will be deprived of benefits due to procedural problems.

Strengthening Women Empowerment and Employment

The Bihar government believes that women empowerment is key to social and economic development. Officials say that when women become financially independent, it strengthens families and communities. Women-led businesses also create employment opportunities at the local level.

The government expects that this loan scheme will boost entrepreneurship among rural women. It will also help reduce unemployment and migration by creating work opportunities within villages. The Jeevika network will be used to ensure smooth coordination between beneficiaries, banks, and government departments.

Banks to Play a Key Role in Implementation

Banks will play an important role in implementing the scheme. Loan processing will be done through banks with simplified procedures for Jeevika didis. Officials will monitor loan usage to ensure the funds are used for productive purposes.

The government believes that women borrowers have a strong repayment record. The low interest rate is expected to further reduce financial stress and encourage timely repayment. This confidence has helped the government secure banking support for the scheme.

Government Urges Women to Apply Early

The government has urged eligible women to apply for the loan scheme without delay. Since the benefit will be given on a first come first serve basis, timely application is important. Local officials and Jeevika coordinators will assist women during the application process.

The government is optimistic that this initiative will bring a major change in women entrepreneurship in Bihar. With access to affordable credit and continued support, women are expected to play a bigger role in economic growth. The scheme reflects the government’s commitment to creating inclusive and sustainable development across the state.