Bihar's Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, popularly known as the dushazaari scheme, has received over 23 lakh applications in just over a month. The total number of applications now stands at 1.8 crore, including 1.44 crore women who received funds before the assembly elections. The initiative is credited as a key factor in the ruling NDA's electoral success.
The Bihar government has extended the application deadline for the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana until December 31. Under this scheme, aimed at promoting self-employment among women, prospective entrepreneurs receive Rs 10,000 each.
Launched just before the assembly elections, the initiative—routed through self-help groups known as Jeevika—played a pivotal role in the ruling NDA's strong comeback to power. Of the total 1.8 crore applications, 18 lakh are from urban areas, with 5 lakh submitted in the last month alone.
Jeevika CEO Himanshu Sharma stated, “We expect around a total of over 2 crore women to participate in the scheme. It could be an optimum number, given there are 2.7 crore families in the state. Over 21 lakh taxpayers would also be out of it and so would government servants and many who make up the urban populace.”
Sharma noted that the department is overwhelmed by the response and the next focus will be monitoring business proposals. Assistance can go up to Rs 2.10 lakh, varying by the venture's scale and viability, rather than a fixed amount. The initial Rs 10,000 disbursed does not need to be returned. In an error, Rs 10,000 was given to 470 handicapped men, and now women from their families are applying for adjustment, with no coercive measures taken.
Urban women entrepreneurs have yet to receive their first installment. The scheme offers financial aid in installments for fields like poultry, fisheries, and agro-based businesses, but excludes taxpayers or those with tax-paying spouses.