Patna: CM Samrat Choudhary on Thursday transferred Rs 600 crore through direct benefit transfer into the bank accounts of 5 lakh women beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY) on the eve of Rakshabandhan. He also distributed loans to 10,000 beneficiaries from the Jeevika fund.The fund transfer was made during a programme organised by the rural development department at Bapu Sabhagar in the Samrat Ashoka Convention Kendra here. The event was organised around the themes “Viksit Bharat-Samriddh Bihar” and “Behnon ka Samman, Sarkar ki Pehchan”.Choudhary also inaugurated construction work for 112 Gramin Haats under the Viksit Bharat-Ji Ram Ji Yojana and launched the Samriddh Mahila-Samriddh Bihar Abhiyan, describing it as a gift of self-reliance to Bihar’s women ahead of Rakshabandhan.In his presence, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya and the prohibition, excise and registration department for de-addiction and social awareness. The chief minister also released booklets related to the Samriddh Mahila-Samriddh Bihar campaign and Lakhpati Didi.Addressing the gathering, Choudhary said total prohibition was implemented in Bihar in 2016 and linked it to women’s welfare. He said 1.81 crore women are now associated with self-help groups under Jeevika, adding that Jeevika Didis contribute about Rs 1.46 lakh crore to Bihar’s economy.He said the selection of 7,376 women as government nurses was a major achievement in expanding employment opportunities for women in government service. The govt has also set a target of installing solar panels at the homes of 10 lakh Jeevika Didis by March 31 to promote energy self-reliance and economic empowerment among identified families.Choudhary said the govt aims to provide employment to 1 crore women and create 1 crore Lakhpati Didis by increasing women’s income through animal husbandry, manufacturing and the service sector.He credited former CM Nitish Kumar for strengthening Jeevika and said 50 lakh Jeevika Didis in Bihar have already become Lakhpati Didis. Under the Pashu Sakhi Abhiyan, about 25 lakh women are associated with animal husbandry, goat rearing and cow rearing.
