Bihar, Sep.26,2025:The PM Modi Bihar Women Scheme ₹10,000 announcement has ignited a fiery political debate just ahead of the state elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through video conferencing, launched the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana and transferred ₹10,000 each into the accounts of over 75 lakh women-
While the government calls this move a landmark step towards women’s empowerment, opposition parties including the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress have slammed it as a blatant “election gimmick.”
Details of the Scheme
Under the PM Modi Bihar Women Scheme ₹10,000, women across the state have been promised direct financial assistance aimed at promoting economic independence and livelihood opportunities.
- Beneficiaries: Over 75 lakh women across Bihar.
- Direct Transfer: ₹10,000 credited directly into bank accounts.
- Objective: Employment generation and empowerment through financial support.
- Implementation: Backed by the “double engine government” of NDA in Bihar.
This initiative, according to BJP leaders, is designed to strengthen women’s role in local economies and ensure they are active participants in the state’s growth.
PM Modi’s Statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the scheme as a historic initiative. He said:
“Bihar’s mothers, sisters, and daughters are the pride of our nation. The double engine government is committed to their welfare. The launch of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana is a matter of great pride.”
Modi emphasized that women’s empowerment is central to NDA’s governance model and assured that the scheme will continue beyond elections.
Read more on Government Schemes for Women Empowerment
Political Reactions
Tejashwi Yadav’s Sharp Attack
RJD leader and former Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav lashed out at the scheme, calling it a “loan in disguise.”
He said-
“This is not free support. After elections, the BJP-NDA government will recover this amount from the people. Bihar’s public understands this game well.”
Tejashwi alleged that the NDA copied the concept from RJD’s Maa-Bahen Maan Yojana and accused the BJP of “fooling women with temporary benefits.”
Congress and Priyanka Gandhi’s Response
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, addressing a Mahila Samvad Sabha in Patna, criticized the scheme saying.
“Respect does not mean giving ₹10,000 just before elections. True respect comes when women get monthly honorarium, safety for their daughters, and equal opportunities for growth.”
The Congress termed the PM Modi Bihar Women Scheme ₹10,000 as “election bribery,” arguing that the government was attempting to buy votes rather than addressing women’s long-term challenges.
BJP’s Counterclaim
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the scheme, saying women, backward classes, and marginalized communities firmly stand with BJP and NDA.
“This initiative will uplift Bihar’s women. The NDA under Nitish Kumar’s leadership will once again win the confidence of the people,” he said.
According to the BJP, this is not a one-time measure but a structured step toward inclusive growth.
Impact on Women Voters in Bihar
Women constitute nearly 48% of Bihar’s electorate, making them a decisive force in elections. Past programs like free cycles for schoolgirls and reservation in Panchayati Raj institutions have significantly influenced women’s voting behavior.
The direct benefit transfer of ₹10,000 under PM Modi Bihar Women Scheme could potentially sway a large section of first-time and rural women voters.
Election Context and Strategy
The announcement comes just weeks before the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections. Political analysts suggest that such schemes are strategically timed to maximize voter support.
While BJP-NDA projects this as governance, opposition leaders view it as a calculated election move. The clash of narratives will play a crucial role in shaping Bihar’s political future.
Voices from Ground Zero
Many women in rural Bihar welcomed the financial aid but expressed skepticism about its continuity.
- Sunita Devi (Vaishali): “₹10,000 will help us clear debts, but we want permanent income, not one-time help.”
- Rani Kumari (Patna): “If the scheme continues, it will change our lives. But if it is just for elections, then what is the use?”
These mixed voices highlight the uncertainty surrounding such schemes in an election season.
Expert Opinions
Economists and social activists have pointed out that while the PM Modi Bihar Women Scheme ₹10,000 provides immediate relief, long-term empowerment requires consistent policy measures like skill development, education, and employment opportunities.
Political analysts also warn that such announcements risk being perceived as “cash-for-votes” if not backed by sustainable follow-up.
Comparisons with Past Schemes
Bihar has witnessed similar election-season schemes in the past.
- Cycle Yojana (2006): Boosted Nitish Kumar’s image among schoolgirls.
- Direct Cash Transfers (2020): Promised but criticized for uneven execution.
- Maa-Bahen Maan Yojana (RJD): Focused on monthly support instead of lump-sum transfers.
The new scheme is seen as a continuation of this trend of targeted welfare politics.
Bihar’s Political Landscape Ahead
The PM Modi Bihar Women Scheme ₹10,000 has undoubtedly become the centrepiece of Bihar’s pre-election political narrative. While BJP and NDA highlight it as proof of their commitment to women’s empowerment, RJD and Congress call it a temporary ploy to woo voters.
