RJD promises cash transfer scheme for women in Bihar

Tejashwi Yadav announces cash transfer scheme for women in Bihar to empower and support economic independence.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday (December 14, 2024) announced that his party would launch a cash transfer scheme for women, if it wins the Assembly election due next year.

In neighbouring Jharkhand, the Chief Minister’s Maiya Samman Yojana — a cash transfer scheme for women — is said to have helped the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led Hemant Soren government retain power.

Mr. Yadav, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, called a special press briefing in Darbhanga to make the announcement. Under the proposed scheme – Mai-Behan Maan Yojana – eligible women would get a monthly assistance of ₹2,500 each, he said.

“We want to empower every woman of Bihar. During my visits, I realised one thing that people are suffering from inflation and price rise. People are expressing their pain about the daily struggle for their livelihood,” Mr. Yadav said.

He further said, “With the blessings of crores of mothers and sisters of Bihar, today I have taken this decision that when our government is formed in 2025, we will give ₹2,500 per month to the women of the State under the Mai Bahin Maan Yojana. The dream of ‘prosperous woman, happy family’ will also come true.”

He added that the foundation of the reconstruction of Bihar would be incomplete without the prosperity of women. “When women receive cash, they will invest more money in their family’s well-being, such as nutritious food for the whole family, healthcare, and children’s education.”

“Our programme acknowledges their important role in household and community development. The positive effect of cash transfers is significant in terms of improved economic conditions for women, and benefits the entire family and community,” Mr. Yadav said.