Ahead of election, Bihar sees pension hike to seed money for women

With elections approaching, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday announced a new scheme aimed at women. The state cabinet cleared the 'Chief Minister Women's Employment Scheme', under which one woman from every family will receive financial assistance to start a business.

Each beneficiary will be given ₹10,000 as the first instalment. Applications will open soon and fund transfers are expected to begin in September. After six months, an assessment will be carried out and additional aid of up to ₹2 lakh may be provided depending on need.

"I am confident that the implementation of this scheme will not only strengthen the position of women but also create better employment opportunities within the state, reducing the compulsion to migrate," Kumar wrote on X.

In June, Kumar had raised the state's social security pension from ₹400 to ₹1,100 and doubled the honorarium of Jeevika Didis.