Bihar Times :Patna,March 26. In a major push towards women’s economic empowerment, the Bihar government is aiming to promote between five lakh and ten lakh women-run business enterprises across the state under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY), officials from the rural development department have said.
The ambitious plan focuses on encouraging 50 to 100 women in each of the state’s 8,040 panchayats to scale up their businesses with government assistance of up to ₹2 lakh. These enterprises are being built on the foundation of an earlier seed fund of ₹10,000 provided to women beneficiaries in instalments.
The initiative is closely linked with the state’s flagship rural livelihood programme implemented by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (JEEViKA), which has already supported 1.81 crore women with initial financial aid. Backed by the World Bank, the programme is among the largest women-led livelihood initiatives in the country.
According to JEEViKA Chief Executive Officer Himanshu Sharma, around 1.67 crore women are currently being surveyed to assess how effectively they have utilised the initial grant and to evaluate the sustainability of their business models. The survey, scheduled to conclude by March 31, will form the basis for the next phase of financial support, likely to begin in early April.
In the second phase, selected beneficiaries will receive financial assistance ranging from ₹20,000 to over ₹1 lakh, with some eligible for up to ₹2 lakh, depending on their business plans and expansion needs. “The survey will help us understand utilisation patterns and business viability. Based on this, we will also provide training in financial management, marketing strategies, and enterprise development,” Sharma said.
Officials noted that the majority of beneficiaries are based in rural areas and are engaged in sectors such as dairy, agriculture, tailoring, and spice production. As part of the assessment, women entrepreneurs are being asked whether they have started a business, whether it is generating income, and whether they require additional training.
Launched in September 2025 ahead of the state assembly elections, the scheme aims to transform women into self-reliant entrepreneurs by supporting both individual and group-based enterprises. With financial backing, skill development, and market linkage support, the initiative is expected to significantly strengthen Bihar’s rural economy while advancing women’s financial independence.
