• Source:JND
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Bihar Assembly Elections: Days after the Mahagathbandhan released its manifesto, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Friday announced its documents of poll promise. In an attempt to woo women voters, both sides made some tall promises as the half population has emerged as a 'decisive electoral voter section' since the rise of Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Nitish Kumar.

Since Nitish came to power in Bihar in 2005 after ending Lalu Prasad Yadav-Rabri Devi's rule of around 15 years, he drew the overwhelming support of women voters, owing to his policies to empower women. Nitish's bold move to ban liquor in Bihar reaped the electoral results for him. The liquor ban directly benefited women voters.

nitish

What Figures Suggest

Even his rivals understand that women voters are extremely important as they decisively influence the Bihar election. Women constitute approximately 46-47% of the total electorate in Bihar. According to the Election Commission of India, around 3.5 crore are women and 14 lakh are first-time voters in Bihar. The number of women voters is slightly less than male counterparts, but women surpass men in voting percentage. In the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, the female voter turnout was 59.7%, while that of men was 54.1%.

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How Women Voters Impact Electoral Outcome

In the last Bihar assembly elections, in several constituencies, the margin of victory is less than 5,000 votes, which means even a 1-2% swing in women's votes can change the outcome. In the 2015 and 2020 elections, the constituencies with higher female voter turnout benefited the Nitish-led NDA.

What NDA Promises To Women In This Election

- The NDA on Friday released its manifesto for the Bihar assembly polls, promising jobs to one crore youth, making of one crore 'Lakhpathi Didi'

ALSO READ: NDA vs Mahagathbandhan Manifesto Comparison: A Look At How Parties Rush To Win Bihar Voters' Trust With Big Promises

- Under the Chief Minister Women Employment Scheme, financial assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh will be provided to women for prosperity and self-reliance

- One crore 'Lakhpathi Didi' will also be made by the NDA, and through the 'Mission Crorepati' initiative

- Training women in self-help groups so that they can earn a sustainable income of at least Rs 1 lakh per annum per household

- A skill census to promote skill-based employment

- Mega skill centres in every district

- Free quality education from KG to PG and Rs 2,000 monthly assistance for SC/ST students pursuing higher education

 - Free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh

Mahagathbandhan's Poll Promises To Women

- On October 28, the opposition INDIA bloc released its manifesto for the Bihar assembly polls, promising, among other things, a government job to one member of every household, which may attract women job aspirants as well. In the 32-page-long 'Bihar ka Tejashwi Pran' (Tejashwi's resolve), the Opposition promised that "every year, 300 students" from the depressed classes will be sent abroad for higher education on scholarship.

- 'Jeevika Didis' will be granted permanent status as a government employee.

- 'Jeevika Didis' will get a salary of Rs 30,000.

- Under "Mai Bahin Maan Yojana", every eligible woman will receive Rs 2,500 per month directly into her bank account.

- Every person (including women) will be entitled to free treatment up to Rs 25 lakh.

- Widows/elderly/disabled women will receive Rs 1,500 per month.

- Benefits, education, training, income – skills and employment opportunities for girls/women.

- Another important promise made in the manifesto is that job creation by setting up IT parks, SEZs, dairy and agro-based industries.

- An education city

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