Jeevika Has Freed Rural Women From Moneylenders, Made Them Self-Reliant: Bihar Minister Shravan Kumar

Before 2006, women and their children's only recourse for medical treatment when they fell ill was through moneylenders. With the formation of the government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, women have been freed from this predicament. Today, by joining Jeevika, women have not only become economically empowered but also aware of their rights.

After joining Jeevika, women in rural areas are rapidly becoming economically self-reliant. Women are no longer forced to beg for help. This was stated by Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar on Tuesday. He was addressing the Community Voices Conclave, a program organized at Gyan Bhawan in Gandhi Maidan, Patna.

Women associated with Jeevika groups from across the state were present at the event. The department minister stated that Jeevika has set a new example of women's empowerment. He noted that the Chief Minister's Women's Employment Scheme was launched a few days ago.

Under this scheme, 15.6 million families in the state were provided with a grant of ₹10,000 each for women's employment. In the coming days, an additional ₹200,000 each will be provided to support the work these women have undertaken. This will empower women in every way.

Pankaj Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Rural Development Department, stated that Jeevika Didi (Jeevika Didi) is a significant part of society in Bihar. The biggest problems in rural areas are poverty, health, and malnutrition. To prepare nutritious food in the kitchen, women must be economically empowered. Jeevika schemes are playing a crucial role in this. He added that by cultivating nutritious crops, women can permanently overcome the problem of malnutrition.

Vandana Preyasi, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, stated that Bihar has the largest Jeevika network in the country. Bihar is the only state where schemes for Jeevika Didi (Jeevika Didi) are implemented in all districts. He said that we can fulfill the vision of a developed India by 2047 by ensuring the health of every child and their mother. This can only be achieved under the banner of Jeevika.

On this occasion, guests honored Jeevika Didi's who performed outstanding work by presenting them with mementos. The program was also addressed by Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department, Mr. Pankaj Kumar; Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, Smt. Smriti Sharan; Secretary, Health Department, Lokesh Kumar Singh; Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Mrs. Bandana Preyashi; Jeevika Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Himanshu Sharma; Country Head of PCI, Mr. Indrajit; and Mr. Anjani Kumar Singh from the Gates Foundation. On this occasion, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Mr. Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, commended the efforts of community organizations and the activities of the Jeevika project and provided guidance for future action plans. A discussion on health-related topics was also organized. Representatives from Jeevika and other organizations were present.