PM interacts with beneficiaries of Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana

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PM emphasises that all the development schemes of the Central and State governments are for the welfare and empowerment of women

PM called upon women for further sharing their inspirational stories about Government policies and programs in bringing about positive change in society

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with beneficiaries of Bihar's Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana via videoconferencing today.

Smt. Ranjeeta Kazi, a tribal woman beneficiary from West Champaran district of Bihar, extended heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar for the transformative changes brought to her region. Associated with the Jeevika Self Help Group, she highlighted that her forested area-once deprived of basic infrastructure-now enjoys access to roads, electricity, water, sanitation, and education. She thanked the Chief Minister for initiatives focused on women, including reservation provisions that have increased female representation in government jobs and Panchayati Raj institutions. She praised the cycle and uniform schemes, noting the pride she feels when girls ride bicycles in school uniforms.

Ranjeeta commended the Prime Minister for the Ujjwala Yojana, which has provided low-cost gas cylinders to women, freeing them from smoke-filled kitchens and improving their health. She also acknowledged the benefits of the housing scheme, under which she now resides in a pucca house.

She expressed appreciation for the Chief Minister's recent decision to provide 125 units of free electricity and increase pensions from ₹400 to ₹1,100, which has boosted women's confidence. Under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, she plans to use the initial ₹10,000 to purchase a pump set for farming jowar and bajra, and later invest ₹2 lakh to start a flour business promoting indigenous grains.

Ranjeeta affirmed that such support strengthens livelihoods and paves the way for women to become Lakhpati Didis. She shared that women in her region are celebrating the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana as a festival alongside Navratri. On behalf of all Didis in West Champaran, she conveyed her heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to both leaders for their continued support.

Smt. Reeta Devi, another beneficiary from Bhojpur district, extended heartfelt greetings on behalf of all women of Arrah to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar. She shared her journey of empowerment that began in 2015 when she joined a Self Help Group and received ₹5,000 under the Bhaiya Pahal initiative. With this amount, she purchased four goats and started her livelihood. The income from goat rearing enabled her to buy 50 hens and begin an egg-selling business, pricing each egg at ₹15. She innovated by using a fish container and a light source to hatch chicks, which significantly improved her family's financial condition.

Reeta Devi proudly stated that she has now become both a Lakhpati Didi and a Drone Didi, reflecting her growth and development. She thanked the Prime Minister and Chief Minister for the launch of Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, which has brought immense joy and activity to villages and localities. Women across the district have started various enterprises-some in cattle rearing, goat farming, and others in running bangle shops. Reeta shared that upon receiving the first ₹10,000 installment, she purchased 100 hens to meet the rising demand for eggs during winter. With the subsequent ₹2 lakh support, she established her own poultry farm and installed machinery to expand her business.

She acknowledged the impact of other government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which replaced her mud house-prone to leaks during rains-with a pucca home. She highlighted the transformation brought by the construction of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission, eliminating the need for women to go to fields. She added that now every house has a toilet. With the arrival of the Nal-Jal scheme, villagers now have access to clean drinking water, resulting in significant health improvements.

Reeta Devi shared that since receiving a gas connection under the Ujjwala Yojana, she no longer cooks on traditional stoves that produced harmful smoke. She expressed happiness at being able to cook safely on gas. She also praised the Ayushman Bharat Health Card, which provides free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh without any expense. She noted that the provision of 125 units of free electricity has brought light to homes that were once dark, allowing children to study without worry.

She emphasized that when women benefit from government schemes, their children benefit too. Earlier, women had to travel far for education, but now their children receive bicycles and uniforms for school. Rita recalled receiving a bicycle and uniform herself, which enabled her to attend school with pride. She thanked both the leaders profusely for all the benefits of the government schemes.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi responded warmly, praising Reeta Devi for her clarity and speed in listing the schemes and explaining their impact. He asked about her educational background, to which Reeta replied that she began her studies only after joining the Jeevika group. She had not completed matriculation, intermediate, or graduation earlier, but has now enrolled in an MA in Rural Development. She concluded by expressing her continued gratitude and blessings on behalf of all Didis in the district.

Nurjahan Khatoon, resident of Jhikatia village, Bodh Gaya block, Gaya district, and President of the Gulab Ji Vikas Self Help Group, extended heartfelt greetings to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar on behalf of all women in the district. She expressed immense joy over the ₹10,000 first installment being provided to women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, noting that this announcement has sparked excitement and discussion across homes and villages, with women planning their desired livelihoods.

Nurjahan shared that she will use the ₹10,000 to expand her existing tailoring shop by building a larger counter to display and sell items. She and her husband, a skilled tailor who previously worked outside the village, now jointly run the shop and have already provided employment to ten people. She stated that if she receives the ₹2 lakh support, she plans to further expand her business, purchase additional machines, and employ ten more individuals.

She praised the Chief Minister's consistent efforts to uplift women and highlighted the impact of free electricity up to 125 units, which has eliminated her household bill entirely. The savings are now used for her children's tuition fees. She noted that even the poorest women, who previously avoided electricity connections due to cost, now have fully lit homes where children study under electric bulbs.

Reflecting on earlier challenges, Nurjahan recalled that before joining the self-help group, women rarely stepped out of their homes and faced resistance from family members. Some even endured domestic violence. Today, she said, families encourage women to step out and engage in productive work. She emphasized the pride her family feels when she goes out for employment and training activities, and expressed her desire to train others with the help of her husband, a master tailor.

She shared that earlier, she considered her husband her only asset, but now he proudly calls her the "Lakhpati" of the household. Rising from poverty and a thatched home, she now lives in a well-built house and expressed deep gratitude to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister on behalf of all women in Gaya district.

Responding to her remarks, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi praised Nurjahan Khatoon for her clarity and heartfelt explanation. He requested her to dedicate one day a week to visit different villages and gather 50-100 women to share her experiences, stating that her story would serve as a powerful inspiration to others. He congratulated her warmly and thanked her for her contribution.

Smt. Putul Devi, resident of Bhawanipur and Secretary of the Muskaan Self Help Group, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar on behalf of the people of Purnea district. She shared her joy over receiving ₹10,000 under the Chief Minister's Women Employment Scheme, stating that she currently runs a shop selling sweets like ladoo, and now plans to expand her offerings to include tikri, balushahi, jalebi, and barfi. She affirmed her determination to work hard and qualify for the ₹2 lakh support, which will help her scale up her business and hire additional staff.

Putul Devi also highlighted the benefits of the newly launched Jeevika Bank, through which she plans to strengthen her financial position by availing low-interest loans. She expressed pride in contributing to the nation's strength through the Prime Minister's call for promoting indigenous enterprise. She shared her happiness over her mother-in-law's pension being increased from ₹400 to ₹1,100 and the provision of 125 units of free electricity, which allows her to save money and invest in her child's education. She thanked both leaders for introducing schemes that have brought joy and prosperity to households across Purnea.

Responding to her remarks, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi asked whether she faced initial challenges from her family or community when starting her business. Putul Devi replied that many people mocked her efforts, but she remained determined and began her small enterprise with laddoos and batasha. After joining Jeevika, she took a loan to build her house and educate her child, who is now pursuing a government-sponsored B.Tech degree in Katihar.

The Prime Minister acknowledged her mention of jalebi and humorously noted that the sweet had once been a subject of political debate in the country. He congratulated her warmly and thanked her for her inspiring story.