Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited, a landmark initiative aimed at providing affordable, digitally enabled credit access to rural women across Bihar. With an initial capital transfer of ₹105 crore, this new cooperative represents a major boost to the state’s self-help group ecosystem under the Jeevika program.
1. What Is Jeevika Nidhi?
A Cooperative for Inclusive Finance
- The Jeevika Nidhi is a state-level cooperative society established to offer financial assistance at low-interest rates to members of cluster-level federations registered under the Jeevika initiative. It provides a much-needed alternative to microfinance institutions that often charge high interest rates ranging between 18% to 24%.
Collaborative Governance and Membership
- This society will be operated with funding from both the Government of Bihar and the Central Government. All registered cluster-level federations under Jeevika are automatically enrolled as members, creating an inclusive and community-led financial ecosystem.
2. Digitally Driven Financial Model
Direct and Transparent Disbursement
- Jeevika Nidhi is entirely digital, ensuring that fund transfers reach beneficiaries without delays or intermediaries. Women leaders in self-help groups, known as Jeevika Didis, will receive financial aid directly into their bank accounts.
Tech Support for Grassroots Outreach
- To strengthen implementation, over 12,000 community cadres have been equipped with tablets, allowing real-time communication, support, and record-keeping at the village level. This enhances the efficiency and transparency of the system.
3. Scope and Expected Impact
Empowering Rural Women
- The scheme is projected to benefit over 20 lakh rural women entrepreneurs in Bihar. By facilitating access to capital, the initiative is expected to enhance income-generating activities such as small businesses, agricultural ventures, and rural services.
Kickstart with ₹105 Crore Fund Transfer
- As part of the official launch, Prime Minister Modi transferred ₹105 crore into the institution’s account, marking the beginning of its operational phase.
4. Strategic Significance
Focus on Women-Led Development
- Emphasizing that women’s empowerment is central to national development, PM Modi reiterated that removing financial barriers is essential for enabling rural women to succeed as entrepreneurs and leaders.
Aligned with Flagship Schemes
- Jeevika Nidhi is part of a larger network of government schemes such as Lakhpati Didi, Drone Didi, and Bank Sakhi, all of which are tailored to increase the economic independence and social participation of women in rural India.
Key takeaways for exam
- Launched on September 2, 2025, by PM Modi
- Provides low-interest digital loans to over 20 lakh women
- Operated through a cooperative society model
- Jointly funded by state and central governments
- ₹105 crore transferred to kickstart operations