Patna: Rural development department minister Shrawan Kumar on Friday announced that the second instalment of Rs20,000 under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rajgar Yojana (MMRY) will be credited to the accounts of Jeevika Didis in Bihar this month. The statement comes amid opposition criticism, with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) alleging that the scheme is an election gimmick to woo women voters by providing Rs10,000 to self-help group members.
Minister dismisses opposition allegations
Taking a dig at Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Minister Shrawan Kumar asserted that there is no need for repeated questioning as the government is diligently fulfilling its promises. He highlighted that under the leadership of former chief minister Nitish Kumar, Bihar became the first state in the country to launch such an employment scheme for women.
Details of the instalment plan
Providing specifics about the disbursement process under the scheme launched by the NDA government before the assembly elections in November last year, the minister explained that Jeevika Didis will receive a total of Rs2.10 lakh in five instalments to start businesses. The first instalment of Rs10,000 has already been sent to 1.81 crore women. The second instalment of Rs20,000 will be disbursed this month. The subsequent instalments include Rs40,000 (third), Rs60,000 (fourth), and Rs80,000 (fifth), all to be transferred directly to their bank accounts.
Urban women to benefit soon
Shrawan also claimed that verification of applications from approximately 18 lakh women in urban areas enrolled under the 'Aajeevika Didi' scheme has been completed. They will soon receive the first instalment of Rs10,000 in their bank accounts.
The minister clarified that the financial assistance is intended to help women start self-employment ventures. Many women have already utilised these funds to launch their own businesses, he added.
