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20 January 2026|The Hindu
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EconomySocial IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Bihar to Boost Financial Aid for Women Entrepreneurs

Nitish Kumar promises increased financial aid to women entrepreneurs during his 'Samriddhi Yatra'.

Background Context

The promotion of women entrepreneurship in India has deep roots in the country's socio-economic development policies. Historically, women's economic participation was often limited by societal norms and lack of access to resources. However, with the advent of Five-Year Plans, particularly from the 1970s onwards, there was a gradual shift towards recognizing the importance of women's economic empowerment. The establishment of institutions like the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) played a crucial role in providing financial assistance and training to women entrepreneurs. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) also emerged as a significant force in empowering women at the grassroots level, fostering entrepreneurship through microfinance and collective action. The evolution of policies has seen a move from welfare-oriented approaches to empowerment-focused strategies, aiming to create a conducive ecosystem for women to start and grow their businesses.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, during his 'Samriddhi Yatra', announced the government will increase financial assistance to women entrepreneurs. The yatra, which began on January 16, 2026, will cover all 38 districts and culminate on January 24, 2026. Kumar also announced a policy to ban private practice by government doctors as part of the 'Saat Nischay'-III program. He reiterated the government's commitment to providing employment to 1 crore youths over the next five years and restarting closed sugar mills.

Key Facts

1

Samriddhi Yatra start date: January 16, 2026

2

Yatra covers: All 38 districts of Bihar

3

Target: Employment to 1 crore youths in 5 years

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a renewed focus on leveraging technology and digital platforms to support women entrepreneurs. Initiatives like the Startup India program and the Stand-Up India scheme have incorporated specific provisions to encourage women-led startups and businesses. The government has also been promoting financial inclusion through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which has enabled millions of women to access banking services and credit. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on providing mentorship and networking opportunities to women entrepreneurs, connecting them with experienced business leaders and investors. Looking ahead, the focus is expected to be on addressing the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in rural areas, such as limited access to markets and infrastructure, and on promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.

3 Key Concepts to Understand

This article covers important concepts like Women Entrepreneurship, Government Schemes/Yojana and 1 more. Understanding these will help you answer exam questions better.

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