Is PM Modi Leaving No Stone Unturned for Bihar's Jeevika Nidhi Sangh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Jeevika Nidhi Sangh aims to empower rural women through accessible financial services.
- Prime Minister Modi's initiative includes a financial allocation of Rs 105 crore.
- Women entrepreneurs will benefit from lower-interest loans, reducing reliance on expensive credit.
- 12,000 community cadres will assist women in navigating digital financial services.
- Approximately 20 lakh women are expected to engage with this initiative.
New Delhi, Sep 2 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized on Tuesday that the government is devoted to creating abundant opportunities for women in Bihar.
This announcement precedes his inauguration of the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited, which will take place later today via video conferencing.
On this occasion, PM Modi shared on X, "We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the mothers, sisters, and daughters of our Bihar do not lack any opportunities. Today at around 12:30 p.m., I will launch a significant initiative for rural women entrepreneurs through video conferencing."
As part of the official launch, he will also deposit Rs 105 crore directly into the institution's bank account, providing the new cooperative with a solid financial base.
This cooperative aims to deliver affordable and accessible financial services to women involved with Jeevika, Bihar's premier rural livelihoods program.
All registered Cluster-Level Federations under Jeevika will become members of this new entity. The initiative is a collaboration between the Government of Bihar and the Central Government.
Over the years, numerous women linked with Jeevika's self-help groups have transformed into rural entrepreneurs, starting small businesses and production units throughout the state.
Nonetheless, many have remained dependent on microfinance institutions (MFIs) that impose high-interest rates ranging from 18% to 24%.
The Jeevika Nidhi is designed to tackle this challenge by offering larger loans at significantly lower interest rates, thereby decreasing reliance on expensive credit sources.
The entire platform will function digitally, ensuring quick and transparent transactions. To support this, around 12,000 community cadres will be equipped with tablets, enabling them to assist Jeevika women, or "Didis", in accessing and navigating financial services.
This initiative is anticipated to greatly enhance financial inclusion, empower rural women, and foster community-driven entrepreneurship.
Approximately 20 lakh women across Bihar are expected to tune in to the live inauguration, highlighting the extensive grassroots impact of this initiative.
The Jeevika Nidhi Federation is viewed as a pivotal step towards nurturing a more inclusive and self-sufficient rural economy in Bihar, rooted in women's empowerment and cooperative strength.