In a move widely seen as counter to the NDA’s Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar scheme, which is targeted at 3.5 crore women voters in Bihar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav announced on Wednesday that his government, if elected, would provide permanent jobs to all 2 lakh Jeevika CM (Community Mobilisers) Didis and increase their salary to 30,000. Jeevika CM Didis, who leads around 1.45 crore Jeevika Didis, are part of the women’s socio-economic empowerment program.
It is worth noting that PM Narendra Modi launched the Mukhya Mantri’s Mahila Rojgar Scheme, which offers loans of up to 2 lakhs for self-employment, with the first instalment of 10,000 already credited to the bank accounts of 1.27 crore women.
Many commentators have noted the potential impact of Tejashwi’s promises. While the NDA’s scheme was a shrewd political move that offered tangible cash benefits, Tejashwi’s promise of a permanent income is a game-changer. It provides a level of financial security that could significantly improve the lives of the Jeevika Didis.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that, though many women have bought cattle and started small roadside businesses with the first instalment of the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Rojgar scheme, it has become a bane for women who have taken loans from microfinance lenders. The lenders began putting pressure to recover the loans as soon as the funds were credited to the accounts, leading to increased stress.
Interestingly, Tejashwi has promised that his government will introduce a plan to waive interest on loans taken by Jeevika Didis, grant an interest-free loan for the next two years, and bring them under the insurance cover of 5 lakh.
