Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited to provide digital, affordable credit access to rural women entrepreneurs in Bihar. The initiative received an initial capital transfer of ₹105 crore, enhancing the state’s self-help group ecosystem under the Jeevika program.
What Is Jeevika Nidhi?
A Cooperative for Inclusive Finance
- Jeevika Nidhi: A state-level cooperative society offering financial assistance at low-interest rates to cluster-level federations’ members under the Jeevika initiative.
- Collaborative Governance: Operated with funding from the Government of Bihar and the Central Government, with all registered cluster-level federations automatically becoming members.
Digitally Driven Financial Model
Direct and Transparent Disbursement
- Digital Operations: Ensures direct fund transfers to beneficiaries without delays or intermediaries, benefiting women leaders in self-help groups.
- Tech Support: Equipped over 12,000 community cadres with tablets for real-time communication, support, and record-keeping at the village level.
Scope and Expected Impact
Empowering Rural Women
- Projected Beneficiaries: Expected to benefit over 20 lakh rural women entrepreneurs in Bihar, enhancing income-generating activities like small businesses and agricultural ventures.
- Fund Transfer: Prime Minister Modi initiated operations by transferring ₹105 crore to the institution’s account.
Strategic Significance
Focus on Women-Led Development
- Empowerment: PM Modi stressed on empowering rural women to succeed as entrepreneurs and leaders by removing financial barriers.
- Alignment with Schemes: Part of an ecosystem including Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, and Bank Sakhi, promoting women’s economic independence in rural India.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Date of Launch: September 2, 2025, by PM Modi
- Beneficiaries: Provides low-interest digital loans to over 20 lakh women
- Operational Model: Operated through a cooperative society
- Funding: Jointly funded by state and central governments
- Initial Capital: ₹105 crore transferred to kickstart operations
