Bihar Jeevika Nidhi Scheme 2025 launched by PM Modi provides affordable digital credit to 20 lakh rural women, reducing dependence on high-interest microfinance and boosting financial inclusion.
PM Modi Virtually Launches Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited
Introduction
On September 2, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited, marking a significant stride toward empowering rural women entrepreneurs across Bihar. The launch included a direct transfer of ₹105 crore to the cooperative’s bank account as part of a ₹1,000 crore fund approved for the initiative.
Digital Financial Inclusion for Women Entrepreneurs
The new cooperative society aims to bolster women-led initiatives under Jeevika self-help groups by offering affordable, digital credit access, eliminating reliance on high-interest microfinance sources (18%–24%). Operating entirely on a digital platform, the system facilitates fast, transparent fund transfers directly to Jeevika Didis’ bank accounts. To streamline this, 12,000 community cadres have been equipped with tablets.
Government Collaboration & Broad Coverage
Both the Central and Bihar state governments are funding the society, ensuring its smooth operations and outreach. This initiative is poised to benefit approximately 2 million (20 lakh) women across rural Bihar, strengthening community-led businesses and entrepreneurship.
PM Modi’s Vision: Women’s Empowerment as National Progress
During the launch, PM Modi emphasized that a “Developed India rests on the foundation of empowered women.” He showcased complementary initiatives like Har Ghar Jal, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, along with women-centric programs such as Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, and Bank Sakhi. These collectively aim to relieve women of everyday hardships and elevate their socio-economic status.
Strategic Timing Ahead of Bihar Elections
The initiative arrives ahead of the state assembly elections scheduled for October–November 2025, reinforcing the government’s focus on inclusive growth, women’s empowerment, and rural financial inclusion. Signing off, PM Modi hailed the launch as a “very auspicious work.”
Why This News Is Important
Empowering Rural Women with Affordable Credit
The establishment of the Jeevika Nidhi Cooperatives marks a paradigm shift in providing accessible and affordable credit to rural women entrepreneurs in Bihar. This shift significantly reduces dependence on exploitative microfinance institutions, which often charge exorbitant interest rates of 18%–24%, thereby alleviating financial burdens on women-led micro-enterprises.
Digitalization Enhances Transparency and Efficiency
A fully digitalized structure ensures transparency and efficiency in fund distribution, fostering trust and reliability. The deployment of 12,000 trained cadres with tablets underlines the government’s commitment to leveraging technology for grassroots development.
Wide Reach and Government Backing
With support from both central and state governments, and the backing of a ₹1,000 crore fund, this initiative promises wide-scale impact by targeting 2 million women across Bihar — a significant demographic for aspirational programs and rural mobilization.
Exam-Relevant: Intersection of Governance Schemes and Social Development
For competitive exams — particularly in Polity, Governance, Economy, and Social Welfare— this scheme represents a substantial case study. It showcases how technology-driven policies can support financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, and align with broader objectives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat.
Historical Context
The Jeevika program, operational in Bihar for years, has spearheaded rural development through self-help groups and federated structures, empowering women with livelihood opportunities.However, these women often resorted to microfinance institutions (MFIs) charging heavy interest rates (18%–24%), hampering true growth and sustainability.
Technological advancement has now allowed for a digital transformation in cooperative finance. The new Jeevika Nidhi embodies this evolution by integrating tablets and online platforms, eliminating intermediaries and promoting efficient, transparent fund flow directly to beneficiaries.
Further, the scheme reflects the government’s holistic approach to women’s welfare — complementing earlier initiatives such as Har Ghar Jal (clean water), Ayushman Bharat (healthcare), PM Awas Yojana (housing), and free ration schemes — framing women’s empowerment as central to the national narrative of development.
Key Takeaways from “PM Modi Launches Jeevika Nidhi for Rural Women”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Launch Date & Mechanism: PM Modi virtually launched the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited on September 2, 2025, transferring ₹105 crore instantly to the new society. |
| 2 | Objective: Designed to offer affordable, accessible finance to women enterprise groups, replacing high-interest MFIs (18–24%). |
| 3 | Digital Operations: Entirely digital system with 12,000 cadres equipped with tablets, ensuring transparent fund transfers directly into beneficiaries’ accounts. |
| 4 | Scope & Funding: Backed jointly by Central and Bihar state governments; expected to benefit around 20 lakh (2 million) women across Bihar. |
| 5 | Policy Significance: Strengthens women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, aligning with the government’s broader emphasis on inclusive growth, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat narratives. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited?
It is a newly launched cooperative society aimed at providing affordable, digital, and transparent credit facilities to rural women entrepreneurs in Bihar.
Q2. Who launched the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the cooperative on 2nd September 2025.
Q3. How much money was transferred during the launch of Jeevika Nidhi?
A direct transfer of ₹105 crore was made to the society’s bank account during the inauguration.
Q4. What is the total approved fund for the Jeevika Nidhi?
The Government of India has approved a ₹1,000 crore fund for this cooperative society.
Q5. How many women are expected to benefit from this scheme?
Nearly 20 lakh (2 million) rural women across Bihar are expected to benefit.
Q6. Why was there a need for such a cooperative society?
Earlier, Jeevika Didis had to rely on microfinance institutions charging 18–24% interest, creating a financial burden. The cooperative provides low-interest, transparent credit.
Q7. How will the fund distribution process remain transparent?
The cooperative is fully digitalized, with 12,000 cadres equipped with tablets ensuring direct benefit transfer.
Q8. Which government bodies support this initiative?
Both the Central Government and the Bihar State Government are jointly funding and supporting the scheme.
Q9. What other women-centric schemes were mentioned by PM Modi during the launch?
He highlighted schemes like Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, and Bank Sakhi, alongside initiatives like Har Ghar Jal and Ayushman Bharat.
Q10. Why is this news relevant for competitive exams?
It reflects the government’s focus on financial inclusion, women empowerment, digitalization, and cooperative societies, making it important for subjects like Polity, Governance, Economy, and Social Development in exams like UPSC, State PSCs, Banking, and SSC.
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