Patna Women's College
Women Lead Bihar’s Charge Toward Progress
Patna: A transformative movement is reshaping communities in Bihar, fueled by the determination and ambition of over 30 lakh (3 million) women who have gained financial independence through schemes channelling more than ₹5,000 crore (₹50 billion).
This milestone was a focal point at the “Viksit Bihar: Envisioning a Developed Bihar through Women’s Participation” conference held in Patna, signalling the state’s emergence as a hub of women-driven progress.
Organised by the Bihar government’s Department of Rural Development in partnership with the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi, the event brought together policymakers, administrators, and community leaders to spotlight women’s growing influence in shaping Bihar’s future.
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh, who oversees portfolios including the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, launched the Jeevika E-Learning Management System App, a digital platform designed to broaden educational access for women across the state. He also unveiled a book, “Shashakt Mahila, Samriddh Bihar” (Empowered Women, Prosperous Bihar), which documents the stories of women propelling Bihar’s development.
The conference, attended by Union Minister for Textiles Giriraj Singh, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, and Bihar’s Minister for Rural Development Shravan Kumar, underscored a shared commitment to advancing women’s roles in governance, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Dr. Singh highlighted how women are increasingly taking leadership roles across India. In education and defence, significant changes have broken longstanding barriers: girls now enrol in Sainik Schools and the National Defence Academy (NDA), and combat roles in the armed forces are open to women. The prospect of India’s first woman Army Chief marks a historic shift toward gender-inclusive leadership.
In science and technology, initiatives like Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI), Consolidation of University Research for Innovation and Excellence (CURIE), and the Women Scientist Programme are enabling women to enter and thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, particularly after career breaks.
Patna Women’s College, soon to receive financial and technological support under the CURIE scheme, is poised to become a centre for such advancements in Bihar. Economically, women have gained unprecedented access to resources. Dr. Singh claimed that over 48 crore (480 million) Jan Dhan accounts, part of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana financial inclusion programme, have been opened for women, and more than 60% of beneficiaries under the Mudra Yojana, a loan scheme for small businesses, are women entrepreneurs. The rise of over 3 crore (30 million) ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women earning ₹1 lakh annually—through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) is revitalising rural economies. Homes registered in women’s names under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, a housing scheme, are providing both security and social standing.
Workplace reforms are also making strides, the Minister noted. Policies such as six-month paid childcare leave for women in government service, pension rights for unmarried or divorced dependent daughters, and maternity leave provisions even in cases of stillbirth reflect a growing sensitivity to women’s needs. These measures aim to address systemic inequities with practical, human-centred solutions.
Nationwide, the startup ecosystem reflects this transformation. Of India’s 1.7 lakh (170,000) startups, 76,000 are led by women, many from smaller cities and towns, including those in Bihar. These ventures have generated over 17 lakh (1.7 million) jobs, demonstrating the economic impact of women-led innovation. In science, women are leaving their mark, with leaders like Kalpana of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission and Nigar Shaji of the Aditya-L1 solar mission driving India’s space achievements. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a premier research organisation, now has its first woman Director General, and over one-third of its laboratories are led by women scientists, a stark contrast to its historically male-dominated leadership.
Bihar has set a high standard with its progressive policies. The state’s 50% reservation for women in Panchayats (village councils) and urban local bodies, along with 35% reservation in the state police and civil services, has created a strong framework for women’s leadership. These policies have enabled women to become decision-makers, reshaping local governance and public safety. The financial empowerment of over 30 lakh women through schemes worth over ₹5,000 crore has bolstered household incomes and strengthened community networks. Dr. Singh proposed that the IIPA document Bihar’s approach as a replicable model for other states, highlighting its potential to inspire nationwide change.
The conference concluded with a reflection on the broader significance of these efforts. Bihar’s women—from rural entrepreneurs to urban policymakers—are not merely contributing to development but leading it. Their achievements in startups, science, and governance are redefining the state’s trajectory and offering a vision of a more inclusive India. As Bihar continues to invest in education, economic opportunities, and leadership pathways, its women are proving that empowerment is a tangible reality with the power to transform communities and inspire a nation.
– global bihari bureau
