Prime Minister stresses women’s dignity, financial independence, and cultural reverence as foundations of Viksit Bharat
Bengaluru, NFAPost: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited, a state-wide cooperative lending initiative aimed at providing affordable credit to women associated with self-help groups under Bihar’s Jeevika programme. Speaking via video conferencing, the Prime Minister described the initiative as “a highly promising step” towards strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in rural Bihar.
“Mothers and sisters in Bihar are being provided with a new facility through the Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh. This system, fully digital and mobile-enabled, ensures that women can access funds without the burden of repeated physical visits. It is a remarkable example of technology serving dignity,” Modi said, congratulating Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his government for the initiative.
A Financial Alternative to Microfinance Burden
The Jeevika Nidhi aims to free rural women entrepreneurs from the dependence on microfinance institutions, which typically charge interest rates ranging between 18% and 24%. Instead, the cooperative will provide loans at more affordable rates, directly credited into the bank accounts of Jeevika Didis.
According to officials, all registered cluster-level federations of Jeevika will become members of the society, with financial support from both the Bihar government and the Centre. Around 20 lakh women across the state witnessed the virtual launch. Over 12,000 community cadres are also being equipped with tablets to ensure smooth digital operations.
“Entrepreneurship among Jeevika women has flourished in recent years, but access to affordable finance has remained a critical barrier. The Jeevika Nidhi provides a systemic alternative and is expected to accelerate the growth of rural enterprises,” a senior Bihar government official explained.
Linking Policy with Women’s Empowerment
Underscoring his government’s broader vision, Modi called empowered women “the major foundation of a developed India”, asserting that reducing women’s everyday hardships remains a central priority.
He listed flagship initiatives that have targeted women’s dignity and empowerment over the past decade, including:
- Swachh Bharat Mission – construction of crores of toilets to end open defecation;
- PM Awas Yojana – provision of permanent homes, often registered in women’s names;
- Har Ghar Jal – piped drinking water to households;
- Ayushman Bharat – ₹5 lakh free health insurance cover per family;
- Free Ration Scheme – ensuring food security for households.
“To enhance women’s incomes, we have launched initiatives such as Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, and Bank Sakhi. Together, they form a grand campaign dedicated to serving mothers and sisters of India,” Modi said.
Women, Culture, and Politics in Bihar
The Prime Minister also invoked Bihar’s deep cultural reverence for matrushakti—from the worship of Ganga Maiya and Janaki Ji (Sita Mata) to the traditions of Chhath Puja and Satbahini. “No one, however dear, can ever take the place of a mother. In Bihar, this truth is lived every day,” he said.
In a sharp political turn, Modi expressed anguish over recent remarks made against his late mother from an opposition platform in Bihar, calling them “an insult to every mother, sister, and daughter of the nation.” He contrasted his own upbringing—raised by a poor mother who endured hardship—with what he described as the “elitist mindset” of political dynasties.
“The soil of India has never tolerated disrespect towards mothers. Bihar’s women have fought against crime, fear, and oppression in the past, and they will not forgive such an insult,” he said, urging citizens to “respond to this assault on dignity.”
Swadeshi and Self-Reliance
Looking ahead, Modi tied the empowerment of women to India’s economic self-reliance. Echoing his Independence Day call, he urged citizens to embrace a new mantra: “Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar-Ghar Swadeshi.”
“This is essential to empower mothers and sisters and to build an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Every shopkeeper and trader should proudly display ‘This is Swadeshi’,” he said, calling on women for their blessings in this mission.
The Road Ahead
The launch of Jeevika Nidhi marks a crucial experiment in community-led finance, one that could set a precedent for other states. By replacing exploitative microfinance dependency with cooperative credit, the programme promises not only financial relief but also a cultural reaffirmation of women’s centrality in social and economic life.
As Bihar prepares for the festive season of Navratri and Chhath, Modi’s words resonate with a clear message: women’s empowerment is not just a social priority but the moral and cultural foundation of a developed India.
