PM Modi offers Rs 10,000 each to 75 lakh women in Bihar

It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi versus Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Friday as the PM transferred Rs 7,500 crore into the bank accounts of 75 lakh women in poll-bound Bihar under a new scheme.

The Bihar Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana provides for a direct transfer of Rs 10,000 to 75 lakh beneficiaries. The yojana was launched by Modi via video-conferencing in the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

“Two brothers — Narendra and Nitish — are happy for their sisters,” Modi said, asking women in the state not to let the RJD-led alliance form the government. “Bihar under Nitish has progressed and women feel safer,” Modi said, stressing that under the RJD rule, women were living in fear.

He said both the Centre and the state had done a lot for the welfare of women. “The direct transfer of money to my sisters and mothers would not have been possible had I not opened the Jan Dhan accounts 11 years ago,” he said.

Calling it a massive step for the empowerment of women in Bihar, the PM said the state would have the maximum number of “Lakhpati Didis” under self-help groups.

The PM said in addition to the Rs 10,000, self-help groups would receive a subsidised loan to start their business and training in entrepreneur skills.

“When women progress and become financially strong, the entire family and society benefit,” said the PM.

Modi addressed the beneficiaries through video-conferencing with the state organising meetings in every district.

Barely three hours after the PM transferred the money to 75 lakh beneficiaries, Priyanka landed in Patna to address a women’s meeting as well as a public meeting — her first before the Assembly poll.

“Take Rs 10,000 that has been given to you, but vote according to your will,” she said. Addressing a meeting of women at Sadaquat Ashram, she said, “You do not realise your strength, but parties do and that is why you are being given the money. Without your support, no government can be formed,” she said.

She announced that if the RJD-Congress government came to power in Bihar, women would receive Rs 2,500 every month and a Rs 25-lakh health insurance cover.

She blamed the Nitish government for “failure” to provide employment. “All male members of families have to move outside the state in search of jobs,” she said. Addressing a public meeting in Motihari (East Champaran), she said when the Congress was in power at the Centre, this region used to produce IAS officers. “Now, it produces only labourers,” she said, stressing that Modi’s friend — US President Donald Trump — was imposing taxes on India and creating hurdles for the nation.

Meanwhile, RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav held an interaction with women in which he said the financial aid would stop after the elections.