Patna, Jan 22 (IANS) Several women associated with the Jeevika self-help group program staged a protest in Patna on Thursday, alleging that they have not received the Rs 10,000 assistance promised under the Bihar government’s Chief Minister’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Scheme.

The protesters gathered outside the Janata Dal (United) office and raised slogans demanding the immediate release of the pending amount.

The women said they belonged to the Sultanganj block of Bhagalpur district.

The protesting Jeevika members claimed that they applied for the scheme following the prescribed process, but despite months passing, the amount has not been credited to their bank accounts.

They also alleged that instead of addressing their concerns, some officials acted unfairly and even filed cases against a few Jeevika members.

The women urged Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to intervene and ensure justice.

The protesters demanded the immediate release of the pending Rs 10,000 instalment and strict action against officials allegedly responsible for delays and harassment.

The women said the government had promised before the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections that women would receive Rs 10,000 each to support employment and entrepreneurship.

However, they alleged that after the elections, the government’s approach changed, leading to delays and uncertainty over payments.

They further claimed that many women in urban areas who applied online have also not received the benefit, causing widespread resentment among applicants.

Another Jeevika member alleged that negligence by Jeevika secretaries in rural areas prevented several women from completing enrollment, which resulted in them being excluded from the benefit despite being eligible.

The portal for applications under the scheme was closed on December 31, 2025.

However, the government has clarified that the scheme is still active and that beneficiary women are continuing to receive payments.

Despite this, a section of applicants claims that they have not received even the first instalment, leading to growing frustration and protests.

–IANS

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