In the new year, the Bihar government is introducing an ambitious master plan for "Jeevika Didis," the self-help group members who have become a symbol of women's empowerment in the state. The scheme aims to transform these women into digital entrepreneurs by connecting them to digital platforms, ensuring their products gain direct market access ranging from local villages to international markets.
Digital Connectivity And Market Access
During a review meeting held on Friday at the Secretariat, Pankaj Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Rural Development Department, issued necessary instructions to departmental officials. A robust information system will be developed using WhatsApp groups, social media, and other IT mediums. This will ensure that all critical information regarding production, sales, and market trends reaches the Jeevika Didis in a timely manner.
Pankaj Kumar emphasised that connecting every Jeevika Didi to information technology will help secure fair prices and a wider market for their goods. This initiative aims to take products made in Bihar to other states and even abroad.
Financial Assistance For Expansion
Jeevika CEO Himanshu Sharma stated that the government is making continuous efforts to ensure self-reliance for rural women. He reported that 1.56 crore Jeevika Didis have already been provided financial assistance to start their livelihoods.
Following a review of their enterprises, the government plans to provide additional assistance of up to Rs 200,000 in the future to help them expand their businesses further.
Focus On Packaging And Infrastructure
Principal Secretary Pankaj Kumar stressed the importance of quality control and branding. He directed officials to make packaging and purchasing facilities available at the village level for products made by Jeevika Didis and farmers.
Directive: Officials were instructed to prepare a concrete plan to establish at least one packaging house at the block level. This will help maintain product quality and strengthen their market identity.
Review Of Other Welfare Schemes
The meeting also covered a point-by-point review of other major schemes, including:
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana
- Lohia Swachh Bihar Mission
- MGNREGA (increasing man-day generation)
- Jal Jeevan Hariyali Mission (conservation of wells, ponds, and tree plantation)
Detailed discussions were held on connecting women with the dairy and animal husbandry sectors, facilitating bank loans for employment, and increasing the honorarium for sanitation workers.
The Principal Secretary concluded by instructing all officials to maximize the use of technology for effective implementation. The ultimate goal is to develop local market and packaging facilities to link Jeevika Didis directly to employment and profits, establishing them as true digital entrepreneurs.