Women urged to take benefit from mahila rojgar yojana

Bhagalpur: In line with launch of Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana (MMRY) by chief minister Nitish Kumar, the Bhagalpur district administration organised a day-long programme on Sunday to promote women’s empowerment through self-employment. On the occasion, a Jagrukta Rath (awareness mobile van) was also flagged off.Thousands of women associated with Jeevika and self-help groups (SHGs) across the district, including block and sub-divisional levels, participated in the programme. They interacted with officials and also watched the live telecast of the CM’s address.DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary, zila parishad chairperson Mithun Yadav, DDC Pradip Kumar Singh, trainee IAS Jatin Kumar, DRDA director, and Jeevika district programme manager were present at the launch event.Later, while interacting with women at the District Samiksha Bhavan, the DM urged all eligible women to take advantage of the MMRY scheme. He said that free application forms would be available for the next two days through Jeevika and SHGs at the village and block levels, with arrangements made by village committees.Explaining the scheme, the DM said each woman will be given Rs10,000 as initial financial assistance to start an occupation or vocation of her choice. Based on performance after six months, supplementary assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh may also be provided.He added that the broader objectives of MMRY are to encourage women-led self-employment, start-ups and small industries, enhance family income, promote social respect, and establish women in all fields. The DM also cautioned beneficiaries against touts and urged them to report any attempts to cheat them.He directed block and sub-divisional officials to ensure that eligible women from every family are registered under the scheme. In the evening, he flagged off the Jagrukta Rath to spread awareness about MMRY and to provide on-the-spot assistance for filling application forms.