Women's Empowerment Takes Center Stage in Bihar under Nitish Kumar

The progress of any society is intricately linked to the progress of its women. Without the empowerment of women, envisioning the progress of individuals, families, and society as a whole is implausible. Bihar stands out among the states in the country when it comes to women's empowerment, and credit for this achievement is attributed to Nitish Kumar, the driving force behind Bihar's development. Post-independence, no other Chief Minister in Bihar has dedicated as much effort to women's empowerment and welfare as Nitish Kumar has. This commitment is reflected in the notable increase in the number of women in the state's police force compared to other regions in the country.

The Nitish Kumar-led government has implemented various measures to empower women, with numerous government schemes aimed at promoting women's development in the state. The sincerity of the Nitish government's efforts towards women's development is evident in the creation of diverse women-friendly environments through these schemes. These initiatives not only provide women in Bihar with the strength to progress but also serve as a source of encouragement for their families.

The Bihar government remains steadfast in its commitment to uplift women, evident in the ongoing efforts and initiatives. Notably, Bihar has set an example for the country by providing women with 50% reservation in Panchayats and 35% reservation in government jobs within the state. This proactive approach demonstrates the government's dedication to fostering an environment that recognizes and promotes the development of women in society.

Empowering Women through Reservation

Initiated by Nitish Kumar, the Bihar State Women Empowerment Policy aims to advance women socially, economically, politically, and culturally. A significant provision of this policy is the reservation of 50% of seats for women in primary teacher employment. The Bihar Panchayat Raj Act-2006 further supports gender equality by granting 50% reservation for women in Gram Panchayat and Municipal body elections across all posts, including individual positions in all categories. This pioneering step in Bihar has served as a model for several other states in the country.

Additionally, the appointment of police sub-inspectors and constables in Bihar includes a commendable 35% reservation for women. The state has also embraced the "Women's Right to Reserved Employment" resolution, ensuring a 35% reservation for women across all government jobs. Notably, the formation of the Women Armed Battalion in 2006 and the Bihar Swabhiman Battalion in 2014, specifically for Scheduled Tribe women, underscore the commitment to bolstering women's representation and empowerment in Bihar.

Women Awareness is the Key

The Bihar government has undertaken many numerous measures to bring about social change for women. Responding to women's demands, the Chief Minister made the decision to impose a complete ban on liquor in the state. While the implementation of the liquor ban has led to complaints of disruptions caused by some anti-social elements, the administration, guided by the persistent awareness efforts of women, is adopting a stringent approach to address the issues.

Women have played a pivotal role in the ongoing nationwide campaign to eradicate open defecation. The Bihar government adheres to the principle of development with justice, emphasizing political, economic, and social justice as its core components. As part of ensuring equal opportunities for all sections and sectors of society, women are actively being provided with equal opportunities.

Acknowledging that women often fall victim to social evils such as child marriage and the dowry system, which adversely affect their physical and mental development, the state government launched a campaign against these practices on October 2, 2017. On January 21, 2018, a human chain spanning 13 thousand kilometers was formed across the entire state in support of the campaign to eliminate child marriage and the dowry system, with participation from people of all age groups.

Financial Assistance for Daughters 

Nitish Kumar demonstrates a keen sensitivity towards the progress of daughters and has implemented various measures for their development. One such initiative is the Kanya Vivah Yojana, specifically designed for families residing below the poverty line (BPL). The government extends financial assistance to support the marriage of daughters from such families. The inclusion of the Girl Marriage Scheme in the Right to Public Service Act in 2012 further underscores the commitment to this cause.

To ensure the well-being of women and prevent any difficulties they may face, women police stations were established in all 40 police districts of the state in 2011. Additionally, efforts are being made to enhance facilities for women, with the construction of toilets and bathrooms in 700 police stations.

The government has also prioritised the empowerment of Muslim abandoned women through the Muslim Deserted Assistance Scheme, initiated in 2007. This scheme aims to provide employment opportunities to Muslim women who have been abandoned, offering assistance to every eligible beneficiary as outlined in the provision.