Bihar’s government has introduced innovative training programs for women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the Jeevika initiative to boost financial independence and skill development. Launched on June 18, 2025, these programs aim to empower over 1.2 crore women across 10 lakh SHGs, focusing on modern trades, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship to foster socio-economic growth.
Bihar’s Bold Step Toward Women’s Empowerment Through SHG Training
On June 18, 2025, Bihar’s government unveiled a transformative initiative under the Jeevika program, rolling out advanced training modules for over 10 lakh women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the state. This move builds on Bihar’s pioneering legacy as the first state to achieve 10 lakh SHGs, a milestone celebrated in 2020, and aims to further empower the 1.2 crore women connected to these groups.
The new training programs, launched in Patna, focus on equipping women with skills in modern trades, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar emphasized the state’s commitment to financial inclusion, stating that these initiatives align with the Jeevika model’s core objective of sustainable livelihoods. The programs cover diverse sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, makhana harvesting, and non-farm enterprises, tailored to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.
Under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), the Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society (BRLPS) has designed these trainings to enhance productivity and market linkages. For instance, women in Saharsa and Madhubani districts are receiving specialized training in makhana seed collection and storage, in collaboration with ICAR-Darbhanga. Similarly, fisheries training in Andhrathari block has empowered women like Uriya Devi, who now leads her community in modern fish farming techniques.
Digital literacy is a key component, with modules teaching SHG members to use mobile banking and e-commerce platforms. This initiative follows the success of Jeevika women as bank correspondents during the Covid-19 pandemic, facilitating over Rs 543 crore in transactions. The training also emphasizes leadership and advocacy, encouraging women to participate in community decision-making and social campaigns on health, nutrition, and gender equality.
The state has allocated significant budgetary support, with Rs 5 lakh crore directed to SHGs across 10 states, including Bihar, between 2018 and 2023. This funding supports interest-free loans and subsidies, enabling women to start income-generating activities. Data from NRLM indicates that SHG members have availed Rs 12,200 crore in loans, with timely repayments of Rs 5,000 crore, showcasing their financial discipline.
Despite these strides, challenges remain. Experts note that while SHGs have boosted economic empowerment, deeper social change requires addressing educational gaps and cultural barriers. Usha Kiran Khan, a Padma Shri awardee, highlighted the need for better training for grassroots workers like ASHAs to maximize impact. Additionally, only 47% of women in Bihar opt for institutional deliveries, underscoring the need for continued health-focused interventions.
The training programs also integrate social development goals. In districts like Vaishali and Saharsa, SHGs are being trained to raise awareness on sanitation, nutrition, and reproductive health, aligning with schemes like the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Utthan Yojana and Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahayog Yojana. These efforts have already improved birth registration rates by 54.9% and reduced maternal mortality from 312 to 165 per 100,000 live births between 2005 and 2019.
Bihar’s SHG movement is not just about economic empowerment but also about reshaping societal norms. By fostering leadership and financial independence, the state is paving the way for a more equitable future, with women at the forefront of rural development.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from government announcements, official reports, and credible news outlets. Data points are derived from the Bihar Rural Livelihood Promotion Society, National Rural Livelihoods Mission, and related studies. The information reflects developments as of June 18, 2025, and may be subject to updates.