Samrat Choudhary promises jobs to one crore women

BiharChief MinisterSamrat Choudhary on Saturday (September 19, 2026) announced plans to link 1 crore women with employment opportunities. He also said that the government will provide fellowships to 1,000 women to pursue a PhD, and under this fellowship, a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 will be provided for four years. He announced this during the 25^th foundation day of the Bihar State Women Commission.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Choudhary said that women in Bihar are moving forward rapidly, and their growing economic, social and political participation reflects the State’s changing landscape.

He added that the provision of 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies has significantly strengthened their participation. He also noted that ‘Jeevika’ has played an important role in making women economically strong.

“The government aims to directly link 1 crore women to employment opportunities. Under the school uniform scheme, arrangements are being made to provide uniforms prepared by ‘Jivika Didis’ [women from self-help groups] instead of distributing cash to students; this initiative will also create new employment avenues,” Mr. Choudhary said.

He mentioned that incentive schemes are currently operational in Bihar to promote the education of female students at the matriculation, intermediate, and undergraduate levels, and assistance is also being provided to students preparing for competitive examinations.

“Through the Girls’ PhD Fellowship, a target has been set to provide financial aid of ₹10,000 per month to 1,000 female students annually for higher education and research. Efforts are underway to establish a university dedicated to women to further expand opportunities for women’s higher education,”Mr. Choudhary said.

Speaking on women’s safety, the Chief Minister pointed out that the introduction of the ‘Police Didi’ system in the State is a step ahead on this front, adding that female police personnel are being deployed near schools, colleges and other educational institutions to ensure the safety of girl students calling it a pioneering initiative by Bihar.

He urged the Commission not to limit itself merely to resolving complaints but also to offer regular suggestions to the government for improving the status of women.

“I want the Women’s Commission to become a factory for creating political activists. The Commission should play an active role in empowering women socially, economically, and politically,”Mr. Choudhary said.

In the presence of the Commission’s Chairperson, Apsara Mishra, the Bihar CM said that women’s empowerment forms a crucial foundation for Bihar’s prosperity and expressed confidence that the Commission would continue to work tirelessly leading up to its golden jubilee — to integrate women into the mainstream of development and safeguard their rights and dignity.

A short film based on the Commission’s 25-year journey was screened during the event, and to mark the Silver Jubilee, the Chief Minister released a special postage stamp dedicated to the Commission—in collaboration with the Department of Posts—and unveiled the Commission’s souvenir.