Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar highlighted his government’s work for women ahead of the second phase of elections on November 11. Speaking on the last day of campaigning, he said that before 2005, women in Bihar faced severe restrictions and insecurity. Girls were often unable to attend school, and parents worried about their safety.
Since his government took office in 2005, Kumar said, women’s education and development have been prioritized. The government implemented 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and municipal bodies, boosting their participation in governance. A 35% reservation in police recruitment and government jobs, as well as in primary teacher hiring, increased women’s representation across sectors.
The Kanya Utthan Yojana supports girls from birth to graduation with financial incentives totaling ₹94,100. Schemes like the Janani Bal Suraksha Yojana have improved maternal and infant health, reducing mortality rates significantly.
Self-help groups under the Jeevika initiative have empowered over 14 million women in rural areas and 385,000 in urban centers. The Chief Minister’s Women’s Employment Scheme has distributed ₹10,000 to 14.1 million women to start businesses, with further financial support available for successful employment ventures.
Kumar emphasized social reforms like alcohol prohibition, child marriage prevention, and dowry elimination, stating these measures strengthened women’s safety and promoted peace.
