Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman embarked on a two-day whirlwind tour of Bihar, empowering thousands of women and small businesses through a massive credit outreach program. The initiative, a key pillar of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to create ‘Lakhpati Didis’ (millionaire women) in every village, saw a staggering disbursement of over Rs 2509 crore in loans.
On Friday, in Darbhanga, Sitharaman oversaw the distribution of Rs 1,388 crore to 49,137 beneficiaries. This was followed by another impactful event in Madhubani on Saturday, where an additional Rs 1,121 crore was disbursed to more than 50,000 beneficiaries. In total, across both days, over 99,000 individuals benefitted from this expansive initiative.
Addressing a large gathering in Madhubani, Sitharaman passionately urged women to actively participate in government schemes designed to boost their financial independence. She highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to empowering women economically, emphasizing the vital role of banks in providing financial support and crucial training through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Sitharaman’s remarks underscored the government’s commitment to equipping women with the skills and resources to achieve financial success. She stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji says that there should be a Lakhpati Didi in every village of the country. Banks are providing the necessary support to make this initiative a reality. Financial assistance and training are being given to women through every SHG, empowering them to earn significantly.”
The loans were disbursed under various flagship schemes, including PM MUDRA, PMEGP, Kisan Credit Card (for crop and animal husbandry/fisheries), Stand Up India, PM-SVANidhi, PM Vishwakarma, and schemes targeting retail, MSMEs, SHGs, and agricultural loans. This broad spectrum demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth across diverse sectors.
Beyond the financial assistance, Sitharaman’s visit also included a symbolic gesture emphasizing the importance of constitutional values. She distributed copies of the Constitution of India, recently released in Maithili and Sanskrit, to attendees, promoting civic awareness and understanding of fundamental rights. Furthermore, she took the opportunity to engage directly with local entrepreneurs, visiting stalls showcasing a wide array of locally produced goods and handicrafts. This interaction underscored the government’s dedication to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.
The event saw participation from Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Member of Parliament Sanjay Kumar Jha, signifying a collaborative effort between the central and state governments to empower the people of Bihar. This initiative marks a significant step towards achieving the ambitious goal of creating economically independent women across the country, aligning with the government’s overall vision of inclusive growth and development.
