Jharkhand has brought a high demand in front of the Central Government and demanded a women-oriented financial assistance program, as that of Bihar, which is known as Mahila Yojana. The proposal involves the award of 10,000 direct financial assistance to women, especially mothers and homemakers, to reinforce their economic self-sufficiency and livelihood prospects.
With the state representatives discussing fiscal needs and development priorities with the Centre at a recent pre-budget consultation meeting in New Delhi, the demand was put forward by Jharkhand Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore. Drawing an example of Bihar, the minister asserted that women in Jharkhand must also be given similar benefits to have fair state-wide support.
The scheme of Bihar, which is usually mentioned as a milestone project of women empowerment, offers 10,000 as start-up capital to women of eligible families to either start a small business or self-employment projects. The program has been reported to have benefited a large number of women through encouraging entrepreneurship, inclusion in financial markets and increasing household incomes.
According to the Jharkhand officials, the state has remained disadvantaged by unemployment, poverty and poor participation of females in the workforce despite the abundance of mineral deposits. They claim that such an intervention as a direct cash assistance scheme would be important in enhancing women’s involvement in economic activities, particularly in the rural and tribal areas.
The Mahila Yojana proposed is likely to target direct benefit transfer (DBT) to the bank accounts of women so as to attain transparency and prompt help. Assuming its approval, the scheme can give a huge boost to women-led self-help groups, micro-enterprises and home-based businesses in the state.
It should be noted, however, that the scheme is in the proposal phase. The Central Government is yet to declare any ruling on the demand. The issue is also going to be viewed within the framework of budgetary assignments, financial viability, and congruence with current central welfare programs.
The demand has also created political debates with leaders noting that the initiatives of Bihar based on women have attained a lot of publicity. The action of Jharkhand is being perceived as an effort to make sure the women of the state are not left behind in getting specific financial assistance.
Once the Centre agrees to the offer, it may be a step in the right direction in empowering and inclusive development of women in Jharkhand, which would be a much-needed financial relief and opportunities to thousands of families in the state of Jharkhand.
